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Surviving Valencia By Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Surviving ValenciaSurviving Valencia by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Surviving Valencia” is about twin siblings Van and Valencia and the people who loved them. From the point of view of the twins’ younger sister, this story weaves quite a tale. Their sister, always feeling invisible, never even divulges her name to the reader. She always just saw herself as Van and Valencia’s sister, never as a person of value or deserving of anything. Her life feels normal, like it should feel, until it doesn’t. Secrets can’t stay hidden forever, no matter how hard a person tries. This fascinating story stayed with me, long after the book was over. I really did not want to put it down! My mind kept floating back to the story when I was unable to read more, always curious about what would happen or what I would find out. The book is just as mysterious as my review, so I apologize if I haven’t given much detail. Yet, if you were curious about this book at all, READ IT! In the beginning, I wasn’t really sure what I was reading, but this character draws you into her story and doesn’t let go. So, I give “Surviving Valencia” by Holly Tierney-Bedord five stars!!
Review by @emilybee430

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A Wicked Earl’s Widow (Once Upon A Widow Book 2) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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The Wicked Earl's WidowThe Wicked Earl’s Widow by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aubrey Wynne is at it again with “A Wicked Earl’s Widow,” the second book in the Once Upon a Widow series. I unfortunately read these books out of order, but I don’t feel it took away from the book at all. Each story, while having some overlapping characters, are basically standalones and fine to read in any order that I’ve seen so far. In this book we meet Lady Eliza who was forced to marry, as most young women of more noble blood are, Conrad the Count of Sunderland. At his passing soon after their marriage, she is left pregnant and praying that she is safe from her abusive father. Years pass and she is in danger, so she flees to her cousin Grace’s home. Along the way she meets the handsome Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton. While Eliza’s story is not an entirely happy one, the story that Aubrey Wynne has created is lovely. I really enjoyed reading about this era and how high society worked back then. The main characters are such a treat to read about even down to the appropriately named blood hound, Cyrano. Nathaniel is a proud, brave man who will do anything to protect those he cares for and makes for a wonderful hero. Overall, a great book to read! Parts of it were a bit upsetting, but it only goes to show the resilience of the characters. So, I give “A Wicked Earl’s Widow” five stars!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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His First Lady By Avery Scott – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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His First LadyHis First Lady by Avery Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Presidential candidate Michael Reese thinks his campaign manager Tom is crazy when he suggests Michael find a pretend girlfriend to soften his playboy image. On a whim, he glances around at the females on his team and discovers his only option there is his speech writer, Kendall. Wanting someone he can already trust for the job, he asks and she reluctantly accepts. After all, what could go wrong?! While the premise of this story is not new, I still loved how Avery Scott told this story. Kendall is a great character who seems to fight herself the entire book, trying to figure out how she really feels. She seems tailor made for Michael and the tasks at hand, managing it all like a pro. She tries to stay professional, but who can resist a man like Michael?! The note at the end of the book from Aver y Scott promises extra scenes from the book on her website, but the website seems to be down, so now I’m begging Avery Scott for a sequel! I thoroughly enjoyed these characters and would love to read more about them! Overall, a great, quick read! I give “His First Lady” by Avery Scott four stars!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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The Chosen: Book One: The Orb Quest Series by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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The Chosen (The Orb Quest Series, #1)The Chosen by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Four friends named Gemma, Allie, John and Timothy have been close for years. They all happen to have a platinum streak of hair near the base of their necks and they all have a ring around their iris in one eye, weird quirks they never gave much thought to before. That is until they are in the local park after dark and discover a mysterious door in the woods. “The Chosen” is a wonderful opening story to what I can already tell will be an amazing series! I am a HUGE fan of sci-fi, especially historical sci-fi and this book really spoke to my kind of nerd! Cari Schaeffer is building a fascinating world of powerful orbs, secret societies and the four teenagers who are “The Chosen!” Do yourself a favor and just read this book to find out what I mean! This book was a little short for me, since I love getting lost for days in a story, but I can tell it will all be worth the wait. Here is hoping Cari Schaeffer can deliver soon since I will be eagerly waiting the next installment in The Orb Quest Series! Five stars from me!!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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Dancing Queen By Charlotte Roth- Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Dancing QueenDancing Queen by Charlotte Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Dancing Queen” by Charlotte Roth is a wonderful story about Fiona, a stuck in a rut, overweight 30 something who makes a fast friend out of Stu, a scary skinny man in her office that she meets through some awkward circumstances. Together, this unlikely pair help each other come alive again as they take on a new hobby. I don’t know what I was expecting while I was reading this book, but Charlotte Roth really caught me off guard! I was expecting your generic fat girl finds love story (Not that there is anything wrong with that, those stories make me feel better about my round shape!) but this story is so much more. I loved reading about Fiona’s journey with food and the friends that help build her up. The characters in this story are (mostly) amazing characters that I would love to have as real life friends! The ones that aren’t amazing, felt exactly like people I have in my own life, which broke my heart a little for Fiona. However, this brave woman is no punching bag! Fiona is such a strong, loveable character whom anyone can admire. There is a bit of a twist at the end that literally made me immediately start crying and make a weird emotional noise when I read it because it was so beautiful! So, I give “Dancing Queen” an obvious five stars! Charlotte Roth truly earned them, so do yourself a favor and read this book already!!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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Happily. Ever After?: An Italian Relationship (The Italian Saga Book 6) By Gaia B Amman- Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Happily. Ever After?: An Italian Relationship. (The Italian Saga Book 6)Happily. Ever After?: An Italian Relationship. by Gaia B Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Happily. Ever After?” is the sixth book in the Italian Saga by GB Amman. Leda is an intelligent young woman with high academic aspirations. She tries so hard to juggle her interests in life, volleyball, friends, her band, schoolwork and Sergio. As with any driven student, school is her priority and Sergio just doesn’t understand. They love each other, but is it enough? Leda seems to question her relationship with Sergio every step of the way, and my heart ached for the poor girl. She goes through so much in this book, with so many changes and issues that pop up, it’s a wonder how she keeps it all together! I don’t want to give away details, but this book was beautiful in its description of the places Leda goes, but hard to read with what she goes through. However, Leda is resilient and tougher than she seems to some and she proves it in this book! Relationships are messy and “Happily. Ever After?” shows that. Fingers crossed for Leda as I wait for the seventh book! I give “Happily. Ever After?” four stars!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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The Case of Missing Books (A Summer McCloud Paranormal Mystery) by Nikki Broadwell – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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The Case of Missing Books: A Summer McCloud Paranormal MysteryThe Case of Missing Books: A Summer McCloud Paranormal Mystery by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy cow! Where to start!? This book really pulled me in and just got better as it went! “The Case of Missing Books” is the sixth book in the Summer McCloud paranormal mystery series by Nikki Broadwell. This is the first book I have read in the series and was worried I wouldn’t know what is on half the time, but Nikki Broadwell does a great job making sure the book is standalone, but still a part of the series. She references events that happen in previous books, but gives enough information so you don’t get lost. She also helpfully included a character list in the beginning since this story is intense with many moving parts and people to follow. I love paranormal stories and I love mysteries so I knew
I would love this book, and I really did! I wish I had read the first five books first, but I guess I will just go back and enjoy them now! Summer is a wonderful character who is really struggling with life currently, but doesn’t let anything get in her way of doing what she knows she needs to do. I’m being vague so I don’t give anything away, but just read this book! LOVED LOVED LOVED it! Five stars!!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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Broken Sand Dollar (The Sand Dollar Series Book 3) By JD Boudreaux – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Broken Sand DollarBroken Sand Dollar by J.D. Boudreaux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Broken Sand Dollar” is the wonderful end of the Sand Dollar series by JD Boudreaux. I highly recommend reading the first two books before reading this one so you really know what is going on and get a feel for Alex’s journey. This book was such a treat to read. I LOVED the previous books and have been waiting for months for “Broken Sand Dollar” and it did NOT disappoint! This series spans years of Alex’s life, some in real time and a lot in flashbacks and JD Boudreaux did an amazing job weaving the story together. At the end of “Wish I Had a Nickel,” I could have told you exactly what I thought was going to happen to Alex in “Broken Sand Dollar.” Oh boy was I wrong! The turn of events in this book felt so right for Alex and what he has learned through therapy and self- reflection. The ladies of his life are all wonderful characters that all taught Alex something important and it was so great to read a book that touches on mental health and growth in such a positive way. So, I obviously loved this beautiful conclusion and give “Broken Sand Dollar” five well- earned stars!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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Not So Broken (Love Grows Series, #1) By Renee Regent – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Not So Broken (Love Grows Series, # 1)Not So Broken by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gibson is a man in hiding. After suffering an enormous loss, Gibson moves to a quiet town, hours away from his normal life. Sacha is an alcohol rep, always traveling around the area for her next sale. After a random chance encounter, these two peoples’ lives will be changed forever. I absolutely loved this story! I loved how both characters are lost in their own ways and that Renee Regent showed that a second chance at life can be right around the corner, where you least expect it. Sacha was not my favorite character at first, she is so stubborn and guarded but her characters evolution was a great one to read. Both characters have been through a lot and needed to come a long way to get what they want from life. This really was a lovely story to read and I can’t wait to read more from Renee Regent and the Love Grows Series! I give “Not So Broken” five stars!!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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Eight Steps: A Friend to Lovers Romance By Taylor Sullivan – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Eight Steps to Alpha (Nerdy by Nature, #1)Eight Steps to Alpha by Taylor Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Eight Steps” by Taylor Sullivan is a lovely book about two roommates, Elliott and Fe. They have been best friends and roommates for five years and one fateful night will change their friendship forever. I love this story because it felt like Elliott and Fe could be any set of friends that live together, where the relationship could turn into something more. I am a believer in being friends before dating someone and this book really reaffirmed my belief in that. Elliott and Fe know most of the gorey details that, in my opinion, made them more compatible. When you know someone as well as Elliott and Fe know each other, it is hard not to see them for more than friendship eventually. Elliott was a wonderful character to read about. I loved following his journey to discovering who he really wanted to be like and who he wanted to love. So, I give “Eight Steps” by Taylor Sullivan five stars!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic by Alex Bailey – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of MagicThe Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic by Alex Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Future Memoir of Ann Jones” is a wildly imaginative story by Alex Bailey. It may take you a minute to get into the book, but do not give up! This creative story will keep you turning the pages and guessing until the very end! This was one of those stories you don’t want to put down simply because the story is so inventive and you just want to know what happens next! Ann is a wonderfully complex character who just moved to a new town that makes her question everyone and everything. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her adventure, even if it did leave me with a few questions of my own! There were a few points that I was hoping would get explained in more detail but didn’t, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. So, I give “The Future Memoir of Ann Jones” four stars!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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An Italian Adventure (The Italian Saga #1) by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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An Italian Adventure (The Italian Saga, #1)An Italian Adventure by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“An Italian Adventure” is the first book in The Italian Saga by Gaia B. Amman where we meet young Leda, or Lee as her friends call her. Leda is a precocious tomboy who loves hanging out with her best friends, all boys, and reading. This story isn’t driven by a single event, but more the small changes that happen in life. It is a beautiful story of a young girl trying so very hard not to be treated like a young girl. She desperately wants to be one of the boys and demands the respect she has from her friends. Leda is a freaking cool kid and it was a pleasure to read the beginning of her story. I loved reading about the Italian countryside and its beautiful beaches. As the author said, you really can’t help but love this story, since it’s based off of a true story, and I fully agree. Leda’s family and friends jump to life off the pages and made me relate to her in a real way. I can’t wait to continue reading about Leda and her adventures! I give “An Italian Adventure” five stars!

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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Less You Know (Ashes to Ashes #2) By Rowena Holloway – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Less You Know (Ashes to Ashes #2)Less You Know by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I just finished the amazing second book in the Ashes to Ashes series, “Less You Know” and it was crazy good! I LOVE mystery/thrillers and this book really delivered! Charlotte Ashe is back on the Garner case and this time she has help from Allie Brown, a woman Charlotte meets who has a way in with Garner. I don’t want to say much more because Rowena Holloway has woven a very intricate story and I don’t want to spoil a single thing! Most books I read like this, I can sort of guess how things will play out, but this time, I had no idea and I loved it! The twists were so good! Just do yourself a favor and make sure you have read the first book “Bad Things Happen.” But seriously, read this book series!! I can’t wait to read the final book, “From the Ashes!” I give “Less You Know” five obvious stars!!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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Bad Things Happen (Ashes to Ashes, #1) by Rowena Holloway – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Bad Things Happen (Ashes to Ashes, #1)Bad Things Happen by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, what a story!! Rowena Holloway has woven an intricate and fascinating thriller in “Bad Things Happen!” Charlotte Ashe is a determined woman, she came to London to make her big break and has been stuck as a weather girl for too long. So when she meets local footballer Joey Baptiste, she jumps at the chance to tell his story. Like Charlotte, just when I thought I had this story figured out, I was thrown for a loop and oh boy was it a good one! This story was by no means predictable, which I love! Sometimes, I read a mystery/thriller and can figure out the bad guy in no time, but this story really keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end! There was a quality to the story I didn’t love and it has to do with Joey. However, overall this was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to dig into the sequel “Less You Know!” So, I give “Bad Things Happen” five stars!

Reviewed by @emilybee430

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The Memory of Us By Lisa Sorbe- Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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The Memory of UsThe Memory of Us by Lisa Sorbe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read the description of “The Memory of Us” I thought it was going to be like so many other romance books I have read over the years. They all follow a typical boy and girl see each other after years of being apart and rekindle their relationship. While this book sort of follows those lines, it is so much more than that. Elena and West have known each other their whole lives and after years apart, rekindle a friendship that meant more to them than anything. Their relationship is anything but typical and it made me love this book. There are wonderful lessons and learning experiences for Elena in this story that many people could benefit from reading. I am a firm believer that the best relationships start out as friendships and this book really confirmed that for me. This truly was a lovely story and I really enjoyed reading about Elena and West and their expansive friendship. “The Memory of Us” by Lisa Sorbe earns a wholehearted five stars from me!
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A Frothy Christmas Kiss By Allyson R Abbott – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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A Frothy Christmas KissA Frothy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“A Frothy Christmas Kiss” brings us the best novella yet in Allyson R Abbott’s Christmas Kiss series! As a coffee fanatic myself, this book was right up my alley! Kat, our leading lady, finds herself moving away from home for a new job and to find distance from her former best friend and ex, Spencer. While trying to learn about her new town, Kat discovers a wonderful coffee shop and its wonderful owner, Dan. She is captivated by the aroma of the shop and finds herself engrossed in conversation about her love of coffee with Dan. This story was my favorite of the series, but I am very coffee biased so that was expected from me from page one! I loved Kat and her passion for coffee, as it is so relatable to me. As always, Allyson R Abbott found a way to incorporate a fun neighborhood cat into the story to make it even more perfect! Do yourself a favor and take just two short hours and get lost in this great novella! “A Frothy Christmas Kiss” earns five stars from me!
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A Pink Christmas Kiss By Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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A Pink Christmas KissA Pink Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A Pink Christmas Kiss” is the next installment in Allyson R Abbott’s lovely Christmas Kiss series. In this novella, we meet Billie, living in New York and hating all of it but her best friend, Lucy, Billie decides to move home to help her dad in his auto repair shop. With only her new cat and parents to keep her company, Billie immerses herself in the business and repairing an old Deuce Coupe so she can try to keep her mind off the man she left behind five years ago. This was such a nice read! Another wonderful, heartwarming story to keep you entertained on a cold day. Billie is such a great character! She was an impulsive young woman who was too headstrong to see what she should do, but after five years of hard lessons, she comes back a better and wiser woman and I love to see growth in a character like that! So, I give “A Pink Christmas Kiss” four stars as I go to start the final novella, “A Frothy Christmas Kiss!”

Reviewed by @emilybee430
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A Tangy Christmas Kiss By Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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A Tangy Christmas KissA Tangy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A Tangy Christmas Kiss” is the second novella in the Christmas Kiss series by Allyson R. Abbott, but these are stand alones so they do not need to be read in any particular order that I’ve seen so far. This lovely story follows Mel, whose mother called last minute to get Mel to Spain to help her aunt after a surgery. Mel’s trip shows her the kindness of strangers and learning to accept help when it is offered as she figures out she isn’t as independent as she thought. The great lessons, wonderful characters and scenery all make this story perfect for Christmas! As an animal lover, the smaller theme of animals that seems to crop up in both books is a great added touch! These easy to read stories make for a nice afternoon in on a cold winter day! So, I give “A Tangy Christmas Kiss” four stars!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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A Prickly Christmas Kiss By Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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A Prickly Christmas KissA Prickly Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A Prickly Christmas Kiss” by Allyson R Abbott is the first book in the Christmas Kiss series. This short and sweet novella follows Elf (Emma’s perfect nickname) and her Christmas adventure at a cabin in the woods outside of North Polerton. Elf was so happy to be spending Christmas with her friend Carla’s family cabin, until her perfect plans all fell apart. What happens is so much more than she was expecting and everything she needed. This story has all the magic of Christmas and all the fun as well! The setting, characters and perfect time of year help make this book a wonderful little read. I really enjoyed reading “A Prickly Christmas” and look forward to reading the rest of the series! So, I give “A Prickly Christmas Kiss” four stars!
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Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel (Friendship & Secrets, #2) By Julie C. Gardner – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel (Friendship & Secrets, #2)Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel by Julie C. Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Though the topic of this book can be viewed as sad, our heroine Lia, is one character you don’t want to miss out on. When her life implodes, she is forced to pick up the pieces and find a way to live her life again. I find this story to be inspiring. Lia gives hope to the hopeless about moving on when your life has fundamentally changed forever. Lia is a flawed woman who actually bothers to reflect on her life and choices and see where she made mistakes to learn from them, which I think takes a strength that few can match. This story, while not the happiest, still made me hopeful that some woman out there in the world will read this book and find hope in her heart when she didn’t have it. Julie C. Gardner truly wove a wonderful story and something about the way she wrote it made me love it. Bits are told in flashback sometimes while Lia is lost in her head and I thought it was beautifully told. While the ending felt very abrupt to me, it also follows the same theme of the book, that there is hope. Please read this book if you have ever felt lost or just want to read a heartfelt story. So, I give “Forgetting Ophelia” five stars!

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Rhapsody and Rebellion By Aubrey Wynne – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Rhapsody and Rebellion (Enduring Legacy #7)Rhapsody and Rebellion by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Rhapsody and Rebellion: Once Upon a Widow” is a lovely story surrounding multiple riots in England and Scotland in the late 18th century. Our hero, Gideon, Earl of Stanfeld, has to take his recently widowed mother, Maeve, back to her home in the Scottish Highlands following a disturbing dream. There he meets the young widow to his cousin, the lovely Alisabeth. I stumbled upon this book recently and hesitated reading it as I don’t normally like to start a series in the middle, however this is not your normal book series. All of the books are written by different authors and occupy different times of the same family line so the books aren’t necessarily in order or follow the same people. The foreward recommends reading the first book to understand the series, but I feel Aubrey Wynne did a wonderful job explaining the back story necessary to understanding her story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book, especially the headstrong Scottish women! Alisabeth, Maeve and the other women in the family were a joy to read about! They are bold and unashamed by it and I loved it! I also loved the family connection that is shared between select members (I don’t want to give anything away but it is a really neat touch to the story as it is the underlying theme through the series.) All in all, this historical fiction was right up my alley and now I’m itching to read more about this family! So, I give “Rhapsody and Rebellion” five stars!

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome to Knollville Book 1) By C.A. King – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome To Knollville Book 1)Truly Unfortunate by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Truly Unfortunate” is the first book in the Welcome to Knollville series by C.A King. C.A King’s newest fascinating character is Truly. She doesn’t remember anything from her childhood and works three jobs just to pay for her crappy apartment and the therapy she needs. Strange events start to occur in her small town of Knollville and Knoll County’s most skeptical police officer, Jeff, is on the case. I was so excited when this book got released since I am a HUGE fan of C.A King and her Portal Prophecies series. C.A King has an incredible talent of creating these other worlds and interesting characters that I wish I could visit. Every book I have read, and there have been several now, are wildly imaginative and unpredictable in every sense. C.A King is one of those authors whose brain I wish I could peer into and see how she sees life. Her imagination and creativity never cease to amaze me. I am so excited for more of this series to come out so I can continue to love them, as I know I will. Five obvious stars from me! Now to download a bunch more of her books to tide me over until more Welcome to Knollville books come out!!

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The Killmores (Killmores #2) By Martha Sweeney – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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The Killmores (Killmore #2)The Killmores by Martha Sweeney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The Killmores” by Martha Sweeney is the second book in the Killmore series, so you MUST read “Killmore” first! Well, if “Killmore” was the story driven book, then “The Killmores” is the action driven book! As expected from the ending of “Killmore”, “The Killmores” is non-stop crazy action and not a moment to catch your breath! This is a longer book and I still ate it up in a day since so much happens! Definitely a book you don’t want to put down just because you want to know what happens next! The two main characters have been through so much, both together and before they met, and their lives were so crazy, I was not sure how this would all play out. I have to say though; I thought the ending was wonderful! The whole book was, of course, but the ending was spectacular! The far- away places and the character development was what really made this book so great to me. I love when an author takes a flawed character and turns them into more than you thought they could be and Martha Sweeney does just that! So, I give “The Killmores” five stars! I’m sad to see it end, but oh what an end it was!

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Killmore (Killmore Series, #1) by Martha Sweeney – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Killmore (Killmore #1)Killmore by Martha Sweeney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Killmore” by Martha Sweeney is the first of two of the Killmore novels. Our main character is a woman who is not to be messed with. She has been through too much as it is and is determined to do what she needs to do. She is strong, smart and sexy, a deadly combination. I won’t reveal any details, even her name, for it all plays a major part in this story and I don’t want to give anything away! This fierce woman is not one to easily trust anyone. Her guard is always up and she is always ready for what needs to be done. Some of her bickering with other characters got on my nerves, but is just goes to show that she doesn’t let anyone else dictate her life. This book is very story driven, and the story is a darn good one! When I had to put the book down, my thoughts would drift back to it and left me wondering what would happen next. The story is exciting, witty and very dark at times. If you like a leading lady with some secrets and an intense story, then this is the book for you! I give “Killmore” five stars and can’t wait to read book two, “The Killmores!”
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Mad About Matt By Theresa Paolo – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Mad About Matt (Red Maple Falls #1)Mad About Matt by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Mad About Matt” is the first book in the Red Maple Falls series by Theresa Paolo. Matt is the oldest of six siblings and the local sheriff in Red Maple Falls, the small town he was born and raised in. Seventeen years ago, he fell in love with Shay, a beautiful young woman who lived in New York but spent her summer vacations in Red Maple Falls with her grandparents. They haven’t spoken in years, but the feelings are still there. Matt is such a great male lead character, hometown boy, loyal to family and friends, helps out his parents and grandparents, what a catch! He is one of those characters you root for even if he isn’t the underdog. Shay seems to balance him out very well when he gets overly macho bossy to her and I love that! She doesn’t like to be told what to do after being bossed around for so many years and it’s wonderful to see a female character stand up for her life and love. Shay following her dreams and opening her own bakery is such a great way to honor her passions in life. These characters were so fun to read about, I hated to reach the end of the book. I am very happy to see that the Red Maple Falls series is nice and long and I can’t wait to read each one! So, yeah, five full stars to Theresa Paolo and “Mad About Matt!”
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A Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove Novella by Deborah Garland – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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A Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove NovellaA Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove Novella by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“A Must for Christmas” by Deborah Garland is a wonderful novella in the Darling Cove series, so make sure to read the previous novels first! Deborah Garland gives us another glimpse into the lives of Greg and Faith as they prepare for the birth of their twins at Christmas. This sweet, short story is heart wrenching, sweet and perfect for reading around this time of year! I absolutely adore all the characters in this series and love how Deborah Garland incorporates all of the family members from previous novels into each story so the reader can keep up with the fast changing lives of the Mallory family. This family is the epitome of family to me, lives close but knows boundaries, together through thick and thin and always bands together when someone is in need. These reasons and so many more make this series so special. This book felt like a natural ending to the series, as much as I don’t want it to end! I’ll still hope that Deborah Garland finds another way to keep us all in the loop with the Mallory’s! This was a great way to top off the series and I give “A Must for Christmas” five stars!

Review by @emilybee430

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Must Be Crazy By Deborah Garland – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Must Be CrazyMust Be Crazy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deborah Garland has done it again with “Must Be Crazy” the third installment in the Darling Cove series. Make sure you read the previous books before reading this one because they are all amazing and need to be read! This story is about Skye, the oldest Mallory daughter and middle child to Greg and Gwen. Skye has always been kind of a loner, even in her family. She loves them all, but loves her alone time and has secrets to protect. Her whole world comes apart and suddenly, there is Edward the local fire chief. Edward is fiercely protective of his seven year old son, Julian, since Julian’s mother left them three years ago. Between being a fire chief, single dad and an architect, Edward hasn’t had time for a love life. Events throw these two together and boy do they stick! If you have been reading the whole series like I’ve told you to, then you know Edward and Skye were a long time coming! I was so excited to finally read Skye’s story! I love how close the Mallory family has become over the past three books and how we get to keep learning new information about all of the couples. No one book is just about the main couple, everyone is involved and sharing in endless amounts of love! Love, love, LOVE these books and can’t wait to read “A Must for Christmas!” So, I obviously give “Must Be Crazy” five stars! It’s probably my favorite book in the series! Thank you, Deborah Garland!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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Ring Tru By Janice M Whiteaker – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Ring Tru (Thick as Theives Book 1)Ring Tru by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tru has been working her mark for months when her ex-husband and former partner in crime, Will, throws a hitch in her carefully laid plans to rob an aging millionaire blind. Will hasn’t seen Tru in five years, since he left her in the hospital, to protect her from the life he leads. With similar plans and their close friends as back-ups, can Tru and Will achieve their goals without getting caught in the process? I really liked this book, even if it was a little short for my taste. Janice M. Whiteaker accomplished so much in so few pages but she sure tells a good tale! The action and intrigue of the story made it fly by for me! I read it all in just a few short hours and loved every minute! Tru and Will’s relationship is an interesting one and well worth the read! This is only the first book in the Thick as Thieves series and I can’t wait to read what else Janice M. Whiteaker has in store! I give “Ring Tru” five stars!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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Must Have Faith By Deborah Garland- Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Must Have Faith (Darling Cove #2)Must Have Faith by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Must Have Faith” is the second book in the Darling Cove series by Deborah Garland so make sure to read “Must Love Fashion” first! “Must Have Faith” gives us the story of Gwen’s brother Greg and the woman he was supposed to marry ten years ago, Faith. Greg has been stuck in the past since his ex-fiancée left him ten years ago, right before they were to be married. He is an honorable man and dedicated police officer, just like his father, and proud of it. Faith left Greg to report to Iraq for a three year assignment, but that was seven years ago and she is still stuck on what happened before she left. The story of these two people is long, but intense. They have loved each other for so long, but can’t seem to get it together! I was hoping Deborah Garland would give us this story, as she hinted to it in “Must Love Fashion” and I wasn’t disappointed. The more I read about the Mallory family, the more I love them and reading about their lives. Darling Cove seems (excuse the pun but…) just darling and most of its’ residents seem like down to earth, genuine people. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait to start reading “Must Be Crazy!” I probably know who it is about and can’t wait to see what Deborah Garland has in store! I give “Must Have Faith” five stars!
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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Must Love Fashion By Deborah Garland – Review by Emily Brockschmidt

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Must Love Fashion (Darling Cove #1)Must Love Fashion by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Gwen got hired at her new job at Prada, she had no idea that she would be taking over the PR duties from a current employee, Andrew, who had been in Milan for a few months. So, when he returned, she was surprised to learn he also had no idea she had been hired. He treated her poorly at first, from shock and maybe a hit to his pride, but she was taken by him from the first glance. Andrew is a bit of a broken man when he returns to New York and less than excited to be working so closely with the new girl. Can these two work together successfully? No spoilers here, but seriously do yourself a favor and read “Must Love Fashion!” It is the first book in the Darling Cove series and I can’t wait to see what else Deborah Garland has up her sleeve! Gwen and Andrew’s story is such a great read! I devoured it in a day, since I didn’t want to put it down! The details of the fashion plus wonderful details of New York, Milan and even Darling Cove make me want to hop a plane! I loved Deborah Garland’s description of the waterside villages in Italy, so detailed I could picture everything! This book is a must read! I give FIVE wholehearted stars to Deborah Garland and “Must Love Fashion!” Now, I’m off to start inhaling “Must Have Faith!”
Reviewed by @emilybee430

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