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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Carrie's FlightCarrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by this author. My son and I always love her stories. This is a beautiful story that was loved by both of us. I am still very close to my grandma. My son unfortunately was born after my mom (his grandma) had passed. This was a lovely story about how important and loving grandmas can be.

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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology by SE Smith, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Kyndra Hatch, Candace Colt, Natalie Palma, Winnie Winkle, Electra Gajdos, Stephanie Harrell, Pauline Baird Jones, Cassandra Chandler – Review by Crystal Brehant

Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday TalesFestive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun group of holiday stories. This is a great way to be introduced to new authors you may not have heard of or read before. I will definitely be checking out more than a few of these authors other books. They all were well written, easy to follow, and fun to read. There is at least one writing style for every person in this grouping of stories.

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

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

This was a short and sweet chapter book for kids. I read it on my own (as an adult), but will very likely read it again with my 7yo son. I believe he will really enjoy this book. It has great characters and a great plot that will keep kids interested.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

This was a really beautiful kids story. There was so many lessons wrapped up in a cute story. My 6yo son and I really enjoyed it. The pictures were absolutely gorgeous. Then at the end, there are all kinds of fun activities to do. A great book to pick up!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

A cute and silly story my son and I enjoyed. Lois Wickstrom always manages to wrap science in a bit of fun. We are never disappointed when we read her books. We have read so many of them together. I highly recommend any of her books, especially this one.

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very cute romantic Christmas story. A little different than the usual, as it takes place on a beach instead of a small town. However, it is still the cozy Christmas romance so many know and love. It is well written and fun to read. I enjoyed it!

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

This is a very cute story about not giving up. Sometimes, you have to fail a few times in order to succeed. You learn that in some cases, you have to look at something in a whole new way. You also learn that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. A lot of morals to this adorable story!

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Logan finds herself in the thick of more mysterious murders. This time, a friend is a suspect. It doesn’t look good. She must find a way to prove it wasn’t him. Another fantastic story from Valerie. Lots of mystery and intrigue. These books always keep your attention. The detail included is always amazing.

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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

The 8th book in the Logan McKenna series. Of course, another hit. I feel like I really have come to know Logan as if she were a friend. The author’s writing makes you feel that way. I love how in each book, there is a completely different main topic. You learn about more than just Logan and what she is up to. I said it before, but I will be sad when this series ends.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

My son and I always enjoy reading Lois Wickstrom books. This one was another book in the Invisible Wand series. It’s a fun magical series about a boy and his grandpa celebrating the boys Unbirthday. Caspian wants a bicycle. But, You don’t get normal gifts for an UNbirthday! What will they cook up this time?!

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Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book seven of the Logan McKenna series. I must say, I will be sad when I finish this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all seven books so far. Another book where you are pulled in right from the beginning. It’s amazing to think back to where Logan first started and how far she’s come throughout the series.

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Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles Book 3) by Pamela Gibson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles #3)Sweet Vengeance by Pamela Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A historical romance with mystery, adventure and twists. I enjoyed reading this book. I have not read the first two books, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The story was very well written. It transports you back in time with great detail.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 6 in the Logan McKenna series. You can read any of them as a stand alone book, but I recommend reading them all in order. You get the best experience that way, I believe. I’ve really enjoyed following along with Logan and her journey in life. I feel like I’ve gotten to know her over these past six books. This book does start a little slow inn my opinion, but having read all of the previous books in the series, I knew it wouldn’t continue that way. The story jumps far within different time periods. It does so gracefully and with ease.

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Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5(The Logan McKenna Series)SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit from Valerie Davisson. I love this series. You can read these as stand alone books, but I suggest reading them all. This is the 5th book in the Logan McKenna series and they never stop being interesting. These books have you on the edge of your seat and you want to keep reading. Logan takes a vacation for the first time in years, but cannot help but to get involved in a mystery.

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Logan McKenna books always touch on tough subjects. This one is no different. Except this time, for me, it hit close to home. I have been in Lori’s shoes with two little girls. Sometimes, stories about domestic violence don’t seem to really be written well. They don’t seem realistic or almost glorify it. This was definitely not the case in this book. Valerie Davisson wrote Lori’s story beautifully. The way she wrote of Lori and what she’s gone through and continues to go through, makes me think she either knows first hand about this sort of thing; or she did her research. I hope it’s the latter of course. Her other books all prove that to be true in my opinion.

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Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book three in the Logan McKenna series is another that keeps you from wanting to put the book down. I believe these books can be stand alone books, but I prefer reading any series in order. The thing I want to mention most about his story is the fact you learn about otters! One of the cutest creatures ever to exist. This time, the mystery hits super close to home. I am really enjoying this series.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in this series is another cozy mystery. This time, there are several stories woven together beautifully. As with the first in this series, the author adds sensitive real life issues into the story without making them awkward. They feel genuine. The setting was detailed well. You feel like you are actually there. I am looking forward to reading more in the series

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great cozy mystery to get sucked in to. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Logan has great character development. She goes through an awful lot but doesn’t let any of it keep her down. After a lot of loss, she must find something to do with the rest of her life. This book is loaded with real life issues mixed into a fictional story. You can start to relate to the main character and you really start to care for her.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very long book. Don’t let that throw you off of it though. There is a lot packed into this story. There is so much detail into each of the characters mentioned in the book. You really begin to feel like you know the characters and have actually met them. The story is very well written and it has both very intense moments and relaxed moments. It is quite the fantastic book and I am glad to have chose it despite the length! There is a lot more I could say about this book, but I will leave it to you to read to find out more.

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Crystal Brehant

Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an adorable story. A little boy loves dogs. Mom shows him new animals. The little boy is convinced all of these new animals are also dogs. Mom tries to convince him otherwise. He believes she is playing a game. I read this with my 6 year old son. We both thought it was cute! Good illustrations!

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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorable retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I read it with my 6 year old son. We both enjoyed it. We always enjoy Lois Wickstrom books. She has a great talent for writing children’s books. I highly recommend checking her books out for your kids. This alien series is definitely a winner with my son!

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Crystal Brehant

Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fast paced. It had me right from the beginning until the very end. A very well written story. I love how the main character really discovers her strength while going through some terrible things. I can’t wait to read more.

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

This was a fast read. There was a good amount packed into it though. The little girl is cute and sassy. There was instant chemistry between the main characters and you can’t wait until they finally admit it. This has a great story line and wonderful characters.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

I read this book pretty quickly. It is a Christmas romance similar to Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movies. I personally love those types of movies. I think this would actually make a cute movie. It is well written and had great character development.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

The second story in the I Am An Alien series. My son and I always love Lois Wickstrom’s books and that hasn’t changed. In the first book we meet Shirl who believes Earth is not her home. She reaches out to the universe and gets into contact with an alien named Eee-aah who also feels like her planet is not her home. In this book, Eee-aah goes to school with Shirl. We learn all about Eee-aah. The educational information at the end is a fun addition.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Crystal Brehant

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great kids story about how friendship can expand beyond borders. Not only that, it discusses what is going on in Ukraine. This is something that is hard for kids to understand. The story helps kids to understand this difficult subject in a kid-friendly way.

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

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

Enemies to lovers – another popular story reimagined and done oh so well! The passion and anger makes for an epic story. The chemistry and heat between these two characters are just as great if not better than in the first book! Another book I could not put down. The twists, turns, lies and secrets keeps you up until the sun pops up and you realize you forgot to sleep!

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Crystal Brehant

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know the story. Girl meets prince, doesn’t know he’s a prince. They fall for each other. Complications happen. Although this book can be described that way, it is so much more. Although that probably sounds boring to most people. Unless you are one of those that love those type of stories. (me) But this story is well written, fast paced, and you must keep on reading to find out what happens next. There’s drama, romance, spice and everything you want from a book like this. I couldn’t wait to read the next in this series.

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Crystal Brehant

Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very unique take on tarot and magic as a whole. I love the way she had a short poem for each tarot card. It gets you thinking more about yourself and your own interpretation of each card. I love that it was more a go with the flow and free feeling type of explaination of each card. I will definitely be looking into more of her books.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

This was a tough book to read. I read this with my 6yo son. I chose this book because our cat Lilly is 18 years old. Her age has been starting to show for a while. I wanted a book to help explain about animals passing away. It may come to a point where she will need to be euthanized. This was a great book to help show why we may have to put animals to sleep sometimes. It was told in a way that little kids can understand.

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