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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am in love with this series! These are cute stories filled with wonder, allowing a child to open their imagination to amazing possibilities! The Hidden Present, like the rest of the series, can be read as a standalone book, but I’d encourage you to check out the rest of the series as they are all well-written and include beautifully rendered illustrations. I must say this book is by far my favorite yet!

It’s Caspian’s unbirthday again, but our young hero is surprised when he wakes up and can’t find his unbirthday gift. Could it be that his grandpa forgot his unbirthday? Caspian goes on the lookout for his present and his grandpa to see what’s going on. It’s on this hunt that Caspian finds what I think is his coolest unbirthday gift yet; The Inquisitive Indicator. Read this cute story and find out just what this new gift is and what all it can do!

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Book 1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when a fly by the seat of his pants renowned playboy is forced to go be an undercover boss at his family’s theme park? You guessed it: sparks, passion, manipulation, and maybe romance too!

This is the story of Cy, the youngest son of the Sweet family empire and the amazing Jolie, a hardworking single mom who is dealing with way more than any one person should have to! Cy aka Marcus (his undercover British Alter ego) meets and is enamored by Jolie, who plays the Red Velvet Queen on his first day of work. From there, these two start a passionate fling that all too quickly starts feeling like more! Would you go against your family and give up your entire inheritance and way of life for a person? Cy is about to have to make that hard decision!

I had never read a book by Phoebe Alexander, but I am so glad I picked this one up. This book has it all: passion, sparks, emotional tugs, a corrupt corporate family, and amazing character growth that was thrilling to witness! I truly can’t wait to read more books in this series and by this talented author. If you want a fun, somewhat spicy read, you definitely should check out this book.

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The Mating Chance (Long Claw Pride Series Book 3 and LumberCats Series Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Mating ChanceThe Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Long Claw Pride Series, though I read it as a standalone and was able to grasp everything in the story I felt. You would benefit by getting to know other characters etc. if you read the series in order, I’m sure. This is also the first book by Brooke May that I have read, and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. The unique premise of second chance fated mates drew me to this book, as in most paranormal mates series the idea of a 2nd fated mate is unheard of.

I really enjoyed Boone and Cricket’s unique story and all the trials and tribulations they faced along the way. Can love like lightning really strike twice for Cricket? Will Boone, who waited his whole life to find his mate, be able to accept a young widow with a child? Will they be able to walk away from the pull they feel for each other or can they overcome their fears and pasts to make a go at it? This is a really touching second chance romance with some major and minor obstacles to overcome! I can’t wait to read more by this author after finishing this book.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute children’s book about seeing the precious gifts in your life. Using the dowsing rods she finds in her grandma’s closet, Carrie finds out that there are many kinds of treasures, not just the gold she first went looking for. This is such a cute adventure which many kids will enjoy reading.

Lois Wickstrom is a fantastic children’s author and my family has read and enjoyed several of her books. This book has some beautifully rendered illustrations as well. Treasure Hunt is one of our favorites because it lets you see the truly precious gifts in your life.

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Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Curse of Forbidden IslandCurse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an extremely fast read, at only 52 pages, but to be honest, I wasn’t ready for the story to be over! C.A. King is a very talented author with fascinating characters and amazing otherworldly settings. The Gravedigger Academy was the first series I read by her and I decided then I wanted to read more of het work, so I picked this Supernatural read up.

We start by meeting our main female character, Selene, whose life just seemed to implode as she looses yet another job and goes home to find she’s being evicted. She then begs her friend at the career center for help, where Selene discovered a job listing for a remote island that sounds intriguing. This is where the real, somewhat steamy adventure begins.

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet Book 3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carrie looks through the stuff grandma left behind when she moved. (Which you read about in the previous book.) In the closet she finds wooden flowers, which her grandmother tells her are Magic Wandas, not wands. This is where her fun adventure begins, using her imagination as the key.

I love this fun book about the power of imagination and all the things your imagination can create. Will everyone understand what you create? No, Carrie’s mom is a perfect example of this in the story, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming and creating! Definitely a fun read for younger children.

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Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen Series) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen, #4)Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is yet another great installment in the Kings of Screen Series by Morgana Bevan. I’m a sucker for a fake relationship story any day, but it’s hard to find one that really draws me in and feels realistic; however, that is exactly what the author has accomplished here. With the dual point of view, we get to see what both main characters are thinking and feeling as they embark on this new fun adventure, allowing us to feel closer to them and their story. This contemporary Hollywood romance was definitely a fun fast read. I cherished the characters’ entertaining, often sassy banter along with the awkwardness of being forced together. I love the vulnerability Jackson, the main male character, shows throughout as he deals with the walls Ros puts up in order to protect her heart from encountering heartache like her parents went through. Will Jackson and Ros be the next Hollywood IT couple for real or will their fake relationship stay just that? I love this series and have read 3 of the 4 books (somehow I missed Book 3) in it and I definitely want to read more things by this author.

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: WolfKingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am completely enamored by this book and these fantastic characters. When I read (GOT and LOTR meet Pride and Prejudice as book one of the Kingdom of Seven Sovereigns series follows four noble teens into their inaugural year at the Bastion academy), in the description I knew I had to read this book and wow am I glad I did. R. C. Reigh has created such an amazing world within these pages that you won’t want to leave! You are pulled into the story even more as you get the first-person perspective and really get to see and know what the characters are feeling and experiencing.

Will the fragile peace of these seven kingdoms be able to remain intact or will the 500 years of war start up again? Amelia, the Princess of Avonlee, wants to keep the peace, but she wants her freedom as well. That means her finding anyway to be released from the marriage part of the treaty that her parent’s setup with the wolf king of Carpathia, Prince Danes’ father. The arrogant Prince Dane, who is reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice Mr. Darcy will have you both loving and hating him! While other characters like Kessara, the necromancer’s daughter, will leave you trying to guess what she will do next to disrupt the school and everyone in it. This school, which is the first of its kind, has taken several years to make to ensure the safety of all the seven kingdoms’ royal descendants along with other students, so that they can come together and learn from and about one another. Will they make friends or are they destined to be enemies despite the treaty of peace? I honestly can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute tale about a little girl who is bored and misses her grandma who moved. So, in search of something to do to make herself feel happy, Carrie looks through the stuff grandma left behind. At the bottom of the closet she finds a round hat box labeled fascinator, and this is where her fun adventure begins, using her imagination as the key.

I love the cover art and wish the inside art was more like that. Although the illustrations do flow with the story, I just found the cover art more aesthetically pleasing. This is a fun book about the power of imagination and all the places your imagination can take you.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is another great read from the Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series! With its fun rhyming story line, beautifully rendered illustrations, and well-thought-out activities, both your child and yourself will have fun learning about different ways to entertain your dog and yourself! I’m so happy I stumbled on this series as it will help me teach my grandchildren more about dogs, the responsibilities of dogs, and the fun they can bring to their lives.

This book in particular is a great reminder to all pet owners that you need to mix things up with your pets, so they don’t get bored, because boredom often leads to trouble. It talks about a great many things you can do with and for your pet that you will probably enjoy yourself as well.

Being a pet owner takes a lot more energy, knowledge, and time than people often think when they are caught in the moment of seeing a cute furry face. These books would be a wonderful educational starting point if your child or someone younger wants a pet. That way, you can make sure they understand what all pet ownership takes and are truly up for the task. I definitely recommend this series and can’t wait to read more of it myself

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Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is such an awesome read about the four elite guys at Hidden Valley School and the girls they care for. I would suggest reading this series in order, not because you have to, but because it’s a great series, and you get to see a lot about each of the main male characters as they are present in each other’s stories and lives, being as they are all four related and best friends as well. Also note, this series has two books, a continuation duo for each of the four heroes, making it an eight-book series with a novella that comes before the first book in the series.

This is the conclusion to Shane and Winter’s story as well as the finale of the series, and though I’m sad to see it go, I’m so glad I found it to begin with. Isla Vaughn has written a phenomenal series here with love, danger, teen angst, drama, and so much more! I can’t wait to see what this author does next!

Shane and Winter have both faced a lot in their lives and they both carry emotional baggage and damage from their pasts! Can two damaged souls learn to trust each other and find something beautiful within the other? Will the danger surrounding them come crashing down on them? Find out these answers and more in this amazing finale!

It is also amazing to get to see the 5-year time-lapse at the end of the book, where we can see what the couples are up to and how they have grown etc. or if they are still together. Because can these couples who have faced so much really get past their Savage, Brutal, Cruel, and Wicked realities to find their happily ever afters?

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fourth installment of the Grave Digger series and while you can read it as a standalone, I’d definitely recommend reading the books in order, as a lot happens that you don’t want to miss out on. C.A. King has written this amazing, enjoyable YA paranormal series that encompasses not only magic, secrets, and dangerous adventures, but fun to get to know somewhat quirky characters.

Can Makayla trust anyone, especially since Grave Digger Academy has a new sheriff in town, aka Headmistress Ulva Everbleed? Getting a new headmistress from whom they expected is not only strange but leads to several mysteries that no one will seem to give Makayla answers for, so it’s up to her to find out what’s going on at the academy. Being stuck at Grave Digger Academy was never where Makayla wanted to be, but over her last several years there she has become excited about the academy and her ragtag group of friends. It isn’t until she gets her letter and returns that she finds some of her friends missing while others ignore her. What’s going on? Why did her friends not get letters back to the academy, and why are there so many more people there than usual? What are the crones letting happen, and why do they seem worried about Makayla?

This is such a fast, fantastic read where we are drawn even more into Makayla’s world! If you like magic, adventure, and mysteries, then you definitely need to check out this series!

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Donya Pedigo

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

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon is one of the sweetest and best children’s books I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. I’m so glad the cover caught my eye, making me pick it for my grandchild. Love and acceptance are just two of the many wonderful things you can find within its pages.

The story opens with us meeting the unique Husky Luna. Luna isn’t like her brothers and sisters, many of whom have been adopted, while Luna is left behind. She is different, but she doesn’t let that or the fact that the others don’t want to play with her get her down.

Luna is able to find happiness just by being her unique self, which is such a great message in itself. Though as the story goes on we get to read even more heartwarming messages that, if you’re like me, will leave you feeling wonder struck. Between the amazing and engaging, talented writing of Samantha Shannon and the masterfully rendered illustrations of Lei Yang, this would be an automatic buy, but it gets even better with interactive pages that will help any child have fun while learning, as those pages continue to include messages from the book. This author and artist are both now on my to-read watch list.

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third installment of the Grave Digger series and while you can read it as a standalone, I’d definitely recommend reading the books in order, as a lot happens that you don’t want to miss out on. C.A. King has written this amazing, enjoyable YA paranormal series that encompasses not only magic, secrets, and dangerous adventures, but fun to get to know somewhat quirky characters.

Book three has Makayla returning to GDA for her year three with her brothers in tow as her protection detail. They feel they need to watch out for her, especially after her year-two trials and tribulations. But Makayla realizes things are amiss right off the bat, with missing entities and people. Is GDA safe? What happens when more people start disappearing? Will Makayla herself be next if her brothers aren’t allowed to stay with her? Will she be left all alone since her unique group of friends seems to have bailed on her, or will she encounter others to help her along the way? Can she solve the mystery, stay safe, and make it to her year four at GDA, or will the shadows close in as people question whose side she is truly on? Find out these questions and more in the fast-paced magical tale!

I’m so glad I found this series and can’t wait to see what happens next! Be aware going into this series that these books often end on cliffhangers that leave you salivating for more answers, adventures, and just plain great writing!

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second installment reunites us with Russell aka Rusty as Christmas fast approaches and he tries to find the perfect gift to give to his grandfather since he was so kind to give him the magical brass ring that makes any carousel come to life allowing him to live numerous adventures. Unfortunately for Rusty everything takes money so he needs to earn some.

Hoping the various animals on Santa’s Christmas Carousel can help him find a gift he begins saving money to ride it. As he rides the carousel he encounters different animals stories and different aspects of Christmas that they have witnessed. Still trying to find a gift for his grandfather each animals story draws him one step further into learning the true meaning of Christmas. Is Christmas really in a store bought gift or is it in the hearts and faith of men, women, and children everywhere?

K. L. Small has outdone herself with this magical Christmas tale that will resonate with so many readers. This story is a definite favorite of mine and I can not wait til my grandchild gets older to read it to them.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K. L. Small – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a wonderful magical read that you don’t want to miss. This book has it all magic, historical knowledge, adventure, time travel, and a brave 10 year old learning to trust himself and believe in himself as he faces adversity.

Feeling almost neglected Russell is forced to move to the unfinished basement of his home, because his grandfather has come to live with them. He is already feeling bad and his grades are slipping when he has to deal with his former friend now bullying him on a daily basis. The last thing Russell wants to do is babysit his grandfather by walking him to the park carousel everyday, but his mother insists. When Russell tells his grandfather that he can’t take him to the park anymore his grandfather picks two carousel horses for them to ride and shares with Russell the magic of the brass ring!

K. L. Small has written an imaginative captivating book that will capture the hearts of readers everywhere, me included. Your imagination and spark will light up as you read this book causing you to dream and get excited! I can’t wait to see what’s instore next for our brave 10 year old and his adorable grandfather with his eccentric stories!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is a favorite author in our family with her original stories that often help you learn without realizing it whether it be dealing with everyday issues or science properties like in her mermaid series. She also has some amazing illustrators that do phenomenal work making the stories come alive for the reader to see.

Baking a Bicycle is the seventh book in the Invisible Magic Wand Series about Caspian and the unusual presents he gets from his grandfather for his unbirthday. In this installment Caspian asked Grandpa for a bicycle, but Grandpa tells him if he gets one for his unbirthday it won’t be an ordinary bicycle, because unbirthday gifts are supposed to be different than regular birthday gifts. The day if his unbirthday arrives and the adventures begins! Will Caspian get a bicycle and if so what kind will it be?

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nadia Han has given us wonderful characters, suspense, danger and so much more in this book, which is the third book in the WaterFyre Rising Series. These books can be read as standalones, but I wouldn’t as you will miss out on getting to see the shared past that ties the main male leads of these books together. **Be aware though this book has some trigger warnings and the author has kindly posted this..(Caution: This book contains sexual content, profanity, violence, mentions of suicide, and eating disorder. Recommended for 18+.) These triggers didn’t bother me or deflect from the book in any way for me, but I still wanted to mention them.

This is Forrest and Kiera’s story, and let me just tell you to get ready for some volcanic chemistry! I love Forrest’s alpha male vibe and how protective he is of his family and those he cares about. This turns out to be an amazing blessing as he rescues Kiera after she has been abducted and is about to be sold off. Forrest had to choose between the vendetta he has been waiting to see through since he was a boy and the girl who has entranced him. Did he make the right choice? He has already claimed her to be his, but will she accept and see it that way? Will his shared past from WaterFyre come into play? Grab this book and find out.

I read a great deal and usually see the plots and twists and turns coming, but this book really surprised me in a good way with it’s suspense, danger, drama, romance, heat, and overall storyline. Nadia Han is an amazing author that writes characters in such a realistic way that they truly come off the page and seem like they are in your world with you. I have loved this series so far and I truly can’t wait for the next installment.

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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A warbler bird has a nest with her eggs in it, but there is also a bigger egg that a cuckoo bird laid there as well. Ms. Warbler doesn’t mind taking care of another egg and bird, but what she doesn’t know is that the cuckoo hatchling is being mean and frightening her last egg that hasn’t hatched. Through this cute tale you get to see how the bird overcomes his fear after being bullied. The beautiful watercolor illustrations go along with the story nicely and help engage the reader. This author is a definite go to for me as she always tends to slip in a lesson or fun learning opportunity in her stories.

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have dog-loving kids, then you definitely should get this book! It’s such a fun yet informative read with rhyming you won’t realize you’re gaining knowledge you need. It reminds me of some of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. The colorful illustrations are also amazing and detailed, which only helps the child learn what to do from seeing the pictures. In all truthfulness, this book brought up some things about dogs and safety that I hadn’t even thought of myself. I definitely recommend it!

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a fun holiday read, though it almost feels like summer as our heroine is in Australia and has surf and sand weather for Christmas. Do you think fate can hit you in the head like a ball? Well, this is what Lizzie has to figure out after she meets hunky father Jaz, whose son just happens to clock her in the head with a ball as she was trying to enjoy the Australian beach. She had told her friend Shona that holiday romances are nice but never last, so should she have a little fun while she can or should she cut her losses and run, considering she lives thousands of miles away from Jaz and his two children. Their story is sweet with some drama thrown in and a little bit of spice. Basically, this book has everything you need, making it a great read. I can’t tell you how relatable and friendly all the characters are, even the secondary characters have such a wonderful feel to them that I want to be their friend. If you like fun, fast, sweet summer-ish style holiday romances, you should definitely check this one out.

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 7th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, and it can be read alone, but I would recommend reading all the series and the prequel in order as you get to know the other characters and see glimpses of who they are. As for this book, I have to say, “Wow, what a read!” This book has so much emotion mixed with highs and lows that I didn’t know whether to grab a tissue, or scream bloody murder during parts of it. Shane and Winter have a somewhat tortured past, but only one of them remembers, as the other has been trying to deal with things that completely altered her life. To me, this book by far has the most complex and well-written story yet! The way Isla Vaughn has interwoven such a storyline that evokes so much through the written word is so amazing and such a talent. I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what happens. Be aware this, like the rest of the books in this series, is a duology with the next book and ends in a cliffhanger that you definitely want to know more about.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so happy that I stumbled on this amazing author, Celia Hart, and this wonderful book. These characters are so compelling and well written that I felt like I was completely in the story with them!

Jasmine has always been the good girl who listens to her controlling parents, but she starts to rebel when she meets Blake, the extremely yummy soon to be alpha of her wolf pack. Though they aren’t destined mates, they feel comfortable around each other and have a mutual attraction between them. Will Jasmine give into her desires and be with Blake until her destined mate appears or will she hold strong to her convictions? What will happen when she finally meets her mate? Will Jasmine have the picture perfect mated relationship she’s dreamed of or will chaos reign, especially since WAR may be on the horizon for her pack? You should pick this book up and read it to find out, as for me I’m off to get the next books in this series.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another cute fast read by Lois Wickstrom! It is packed with bright, colorful, detailed illustrations that help you visualize the scenes and get more involved in the story. The Giants and Monsters Series Books can be read as standalone, but they are all cute and entertaining, so I’d suggest reading them all. This is the third in the series.

My Big Red Monster is a fun children’s story about a girl who is afraid of the monster under her bed. After the monster taunts her about doing bad things unless she gives him jobs to do, she finally confronts the monster and stands up to him, allowing herself to overcome her fear. She then sends the monster to her brother’s room, because he didn’t believe her when she told him she had a monster under the bed, so hopefully now he will see for himself.

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls #3)Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buckeye Falls, Ohio is a quaint small town where the townsfolk are unique characters that add to each couple’s love story! This is the third book in the series by author Libby Kay. Each of these books can be read as a standalone as they focus on a specific couple, but I’d recommend reading them all as you get to see previous couples in later books and you also get to know the unique individuals that make up this small town. In this story, we focus on Natalie and Anthony, who seem to have a picture-perfect marriage. Though they portray the perfect couple for the town to see, Mayor Anthony and his wife have a major disconnect between them. Can they ever reconnect? I love how marriage was portrayed here as real and with real problems instead of the perfection a lot of books portray. This is a great read and I’m hooked on this clean-cut series and it’s amazing small town.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Buckeye Falls series by Libby Kay. This is another sweet small town contemporary romance with a wonderful cast that brings both humor and drama. Each installment of this series focuses on a specific couple so they can be read as a standalone, though I would recommend reading them all as you get to visit the other townsfolk and people from the other books. CeCe and Evan both work at the dinner that Max from the first book owns. This is their love story and boy is it a fun-filled adventure. If you love a clean-cut small town contemporary romance, then you definitely need to check out this series. I know I can’t wait to read more!

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by author Libby Kay, but I’m so glad I picked it up. The quant small town of Buckeye Falls with its unique townsfolk help to enrich the story of Ginny & Max. This is a fun fast read second chance romance that will have you wanting to read more about the people of Buckeye Falls. If you enjoy wonderful humor, great characters, and everyday small town life especially around Christmas then this book is definitely for you. I personally loved seeing how Max and Ginny grew throughout the years since their divorce and how they found their way back into each other’s arms!

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Buckeye Falls Series and though this can be read as a standalone, I’d suggest reading the whole series because you will love getting to know all the characters in this picturesque small town. I love a great fake dating story and believe me, Libby Kay has written an amazing story about Alice and James. She has also captured small town life in such a realistic way that you can’t help but fall in love with this town and these unique characters. This book has become my favorite out of the series! I love how the town thinks they know more of what Alice needs than what she does. As she, the black sheep of the family, comes home in hopes of a restful break, several of the town’s people decide she needs a man and the fun just starts from there!

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Mystical Midlife Mate (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 2)Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reggi Dupree is a very talented author with her quirky, snarky, and entertaining characters that just pull you head first into these fun paranormal adventures! She and Daryanda Jones both have a very similar writing style that I truly love, making them two of my favorite authors. If you love funny humor and down-to-earth characters that just speak their minds, then you should definitely check this series out.

Mystical Midlife Mate is a paranormal women’s fiction novel and the second book in the Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series. PWF are books that have main characters that tend to be a tad older, who’ve experienced life and learned to ignore the haters as they are okay being their authentic selves.

Gwen Carter, our main character, is nothing short of a firecracker who is currently struggling with her new-found powers and doesn’t need anymore to deal with. Unfortunately, her struggles are only going to get harder as her long lost dad shows up telling her what he expects her to do if she wants to keep her precious town of Hoodoo safe. And if you think that dilemma is bad enough, then you will be completely shocked to find out that Ash, Gwen’s hot, rich, smart, powerful boyfriend, may not be all he’s cracked up to be. Gwen meets her long lost relatives who have a sorted history with Ash, which makes her question him and their relationship. What is going to happen to Hoodoo, to Ash and Gwen, and will Gwen ever be able to catch a break? If you haven’t already, you should check out this amazing series. I am in love with this town and these people and can’t wait to read more!

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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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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: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is a magical author that brings life lessons through cute, entertaining stories. This is the third book in her (I am an Alien) series about Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh. This book is beautifully illustrated with colorful fun scenes that bring the story to life. In this installment, Shirl and Eee-ahh hear a song through Shirl’s interstellar radio, which starts them on a fun adventure through space. It’s on this adventure that Shirl mistakenly takes a zib thinking it was free and is accused of stealing. This brings up good lesson opportunities on stealing and doing the right thing as Eee-ahh wants to run off and leave without helping the Ba-Kerr (whom Shirl accidentally stole from) as payment for her stealing. I absolutely love these children’s books and Lois Wickstrom is on my automatic buy list.

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