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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Angela Packard

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I very much enjoy stories about the supernatural. I never stopped to think that maybe they weren’t just born knowing how to be great. Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth is where you go to learn and perfect your abilities. Can this band of misfits; a werewolf who can only partially transform, a glitchy witch who messes up the easiest of spells, a vampire that faints at the sight of blood; can they solve a mystery? Can they bring out the strengths in each other to overcome their weaknesses?
This was a very cute story that had me giggling to the end. The characters were like any other misfit teenagers just amplified. Great read!

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery

I absolutely loved this book. Betrayal at the Beach is the first book in the Dangerous Curves Series by KL Montgomery. This is a Cozy Mystery that once you start reading you won’t want to stop until you’ve finished. I’m a big fan of this author and never hesitate picking up a book from her , her style of writing and attention to detail simply blows me away every time. This is a story about Sunshine, she works at the library and finds herself managing and planning a fundraiser. What she didn’t know is that it would lead her to having to solve a crime to save the library. Sunshine along with help from her friend Molly search for clues for the missing Founder’s Bible and the stolen money . Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Erica Fish

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler. The cover is what grabbed my attention and I wanted to read it. I am glad I decided to read this book. The plotline is a mystery story with supernatural characters. This is a fast-paced book that kept me turning the pages. The characters are cuts and some characters have recognizable supernatural parents. There are some shifters and the animals are new to me. I really like how these six different characters worked together to find the missing ring. There were some twists and turns that had me second-guessing what I was thinking who did it. I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it for fourth grade and up.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Danielle Thompson

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about Trying New Things, Friendship, Finding Comfort and Kindness is the second installment in the Jake the Growling Dog! A children’s picture book series written by Samantha Shannon and illustrated by Lei Yang. Through this book’s fifty-two vibrant pages children will able to learn about healthy ways to overcome their own fears, deal with stress, and cope with new situations.

The book is told through the eyes of the series star character, Jake. He is a sweet and joyful dog who has a tendency to growl. In this particular book, Jake is faced with the adventure of going to Doggy Daycare for a couple of days for the first time. This makes him nervous and scared. With the help of his best friend Neet helps Jake overcome his fears in the beginning. After settling in, Jake is able to overcome his conflicting feelings when faced with more situations. By the end, he makes new friends at Doggy Daycare.

The story is told in rhyming verse with colorful pictures featuring Jake that will capture young readers’ minds as they relate to his struggles. It is a great read for young children who might be faced with new situations or people. They will encounter guidance that can help their own self-confidence in these situations and empathy for others in similar situations while encouraging friendship. I recommend this book to school-agers, and parents to read to their children.

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Angela Hayes

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Southland Academy For Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler is such a fun read. This is a paranormal mystery aimed at early teen readers, but really can be enjoyed at any age.
At the Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth, strange things seem to be happening. Things are going missing, and trouble is brewing- but our band of endearing misfits is on the case- and so starts this wonderful little story.
I really enjoyed exploring this book and joining the quirky band of misfits on their adventure.
Looking forward to more from this duo.

Thank you, Sandra Tentler & Brooke Tentler.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Heidi Schoolman

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Dangerous Curves series. This is a Cozy Mystery novel and is 234 pages. This story follows Sunshine, Molly and Evangeline. When a library treasure and funds go missing, Sunshine and her library coworkers are on the case! Sunshine was tasked with planning the annual library gala, but the money raised, and the library’s 400-year-old Bible is stolen. The only problem is the only experience they have is what they have read in books. And to make matters worse, one of her coworkers could be the thief.

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Flowers in December (Flowers in December #1)Flowers in December by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is heart achingly beautiful. Connor hasn’t been back to his childhood hometown for over twenty years aside from birthdays and Christmas. However, when his mother dies he has to return to arrange her funeral and take care of her belongings. He finds himself overcome with regret and longing for his past mistakes, grief and love for the mother he loved with everything he had and with hope for his future. The words in this were so beautiful and really got to the heart of the lessons that we can learn from the passing of a loved one and what it truly means to be happy with a well lived and loved life. An absolutely stunning novel.

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Amanda DelFemine

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Jane Suen did not miss a beat when it came to this story. Its a story of loss, life, and finding your way. It really made you relate to Connor on missed opportunities because life is too short. He held a grudge that he didnt know he had until it was confronted. Connor comes home after his mothers death to arrange a funeral and get everything squared away all the while he meets MaryAnn while picking out the flowers for the funeral. Its not until a few months later when time slips that he realizes hes alone in the world and noone to turn to.

I cant wait to get my hands on the next in the series.

Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery- Review by LeeAnn Leonard

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Betrayal at the Beach is an endearing tale of mystery and suspense. The main character has a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor that adds a lightness to the criminal tale. I love the interwoven support system that Sunshine has in her not-so-perfect life. She is very relatable and empathetic. It’s a feel good story that will have you guessing until the very end!

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Charlene Yates

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In” Jake the Growling Dog goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon” Shannon uses wonderful colors to grab the children’s attention right off. This is a great thing as it is made to be educational and is geared towards children. Specifically, this book is geared to show through the illustration of an animal going to daycare and the feelings of fear and anxiety that Jake faces. Children can relate to this as they go to daycare or to school and have their own set of fears as they set out on their independence. Jake shows children that instead of running from their feelings and hiding them away, that it is actually normal to have them, and they can discuss them with someone if they would like. Not only does Shannon keep they children engage through the story with the pictures, colors and storyline, she has activities as well which was a wonderful idea to put work into the book. I read this book to my children over and over, and they continually love it and now my 6-year-old son reads it to my 5 year old daughter. As a parent who has children with PTSD/ASD/ADHD/Severe GAD I am thankful that Shannon’s book is helping them.

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an enjoyable read! All the characters were lovely to read about. The fact that these kids struggled with fitting in with their peers/family made it a realistic read (even though their talents are supernatural). I feel like a lot of kids struggle with finding their own talents, self-confidence and mostly, finding like-minded friends. So it was fitting that as their relationships grew with each other, they realized the true meaning of friendship and what it looks like.

I would recommend for middle schoolers and up! Good job to this mom and daughter author pair!

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Carly Vogler

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Flowers in December by Jane Suen is a short listen audiobook. We follow Connor Norton as he visits his hometown to deal with his mothers passing. Full of regret, Connor reflects on the last 20 years in which he has barely visited. Realizing he isn’t getting any younger, can Connor overcome his shortcomings and move on to make more of what he has left?

This was a great quick listen. I would have liked to have seen more development in the story line, and perhaps more of a look into Connor’s life later on.

Review by Carly Vogler

Flowers in December Audio Book by Jane Suen – Review by Caralee Loonat

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Flowers in December (Audio Book) by Jane Suen
4 Stars!!!!

If you are looking to add to your reading experience I really recommend audio books. I have read this book and this is my second read/listen. I find that it really adds to the whole experience and enjoyment of the book. Having read then listened to it for the first time I really like how the narrator adds the emotions and voices. I found more things grabbed my attention when listening than when just reading it.

I really found that this second read well first listen really added to my enjoyment of the book and added to the whole process. The author really made a good choice of narrator. Definitely will read more from this author and hope to have more audio books from her.

@caraleeloonat

Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Cindy Rushin

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The mother daughter team of Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler has created a fun read. The story centers on a group of misfits in the paranormal world and how they find strength within themselves to grow into the individuals they are meant to be. It was a joy to go on their journey and I really loved seeing them become the strong individuals that we all knew they could be. This novel was good, and I look forward to reading more from Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Amber Flory

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With my own 2 year old in mind, I wanted to read this book even though my daughter doesn’t suffer from fear (much to my dismay sometimes). Its about a dog who is worried about the new experience of going to doggy daycare. I liked the ideas section at the end for parents particularly, and I think it will be helpful to many people. Having anxiety myself I recognized several of the trick suggested. I think this book will be a hit for young children and the few toddlers who have a longer attention span, but I don’t think I could get my daughter to sit through it yet. I like the story. I think it will help many children relate to the adorable doggy, and feel normal about their own worries.

@ammaflory

 

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Sara Oxton

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Betrayal at the Beach by K.L. Montgomery a thrill of a five-star read. This has it all, a great story, librarians, and a mystery thrown in for good measure. I adore this author and all of the hats they wear; I enjoy how each story has its own details, there isn’t a scene that doesn’t fit, just because it may be what they are known for, it adds more power to each story. I started this one after being on a massive reading binge and was expecting that my great reading would start to slow, but this just added more excitement to my reading, it kept me guessing and just added to my love of reading overall. I am always excited to see a librarian as a character in a story and this gave me joy in spades.

Review by @saraoxo

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Kimberly Shirah

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare is an adorable children’s book, perfect for ages 3-7. This book follows Jake and his best friend Neet, as he leaves home and stays in a doggy daycare for the first time. Shannon’s book touches a wide range of emotions throughout this book with Jake, and also includes helpful tips included in the back of the book. Written in couplets, this book a fun and easy read, and will instill a love of poetry in children at a young age. If you work in pre-k though first grade, this book would be perfect for your class.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an excellent story with a strong adventurous storyline. The way the main character was just unapologetically herself was extremely inspiring because to see someone at 11 so confident in who they are is not the norm. The relationships between her and her family are precious and so much love is completely visible in every interaction. I loved the hints given throughout the book that kept me guessing and curious about what was coming next. I want to know more about Storey and I hope there is more about Storey!

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Kerry Baker

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Flowers In December Audio Book by Jane Suen is a quick and gentle story about life after losing a loved one. It had been quite a while since I had read this book so I jumped at the chance to listen to the audio book. The story was as lovely as I remembered it being and I was instantly taken back into the life of Connor, who is learning how to live after his mother had passed away. At 2 1/2 hours listening time this was the perfect book to put on during a relaxing afternoon.

I thought the narrator was perfect for the descriptive part of the story. At those times I found that I could get lost completely in what he were saying. I think it fell down just a little at the dialogue. It came across as a little monotonous at times and almost a little “he said, she said”. However it didn’t really detract from the audio book as a whole and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Jenique Bornman

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I read Flowers in December back in 2018. Now listening to it and rereading my previous review, I can see how much I have grown. Back in 2018 I hadn’t gone through the heartache of losing someone.
So today 3 years later I look at this story with new eyes and understanding. It really touched me on a whole new level.
Add to that the smooth calming tone of the narrator, this time around I really have a greater appreciation for the book.
Thank you for this.

Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Liz Vrchota

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

KL Montgomery is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to inclusive and sweet romance reads. When I saw that her newest series had a curvy redheaded librarian at the helm of a cozy mystery I knew I had to get my hands on it and as soon as it dropped. I was so excited that I opened this book in the evening the moment the kiddos went to bed and I actually had it wrapped up and finished later that night. It was SO SO good I just could not put this down. I’m talking my kindle came with me to the bathroom, that good! Not sorry either lol. Sunshine is just about everything I wanted to be in a past life I think. I always have wanted to be a librarian a bit and this made me feel as if I was living vicariously with the vivid descriptions and chapters that made me feel as if I was right there with the characters experiencing everything as it happened in Bryce Beach. I am so thrilled to come back to this series in the near future again and again. The best part is this is a series I feel will be perfect to share with my growing and blossoming teen and pre-teen daughters. I think they will love this one and it has some underlying lessons that can be learned for them that will be well worth the investment of the time. This is one series you do not want to miss!

Review by @lizaileen
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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a perfect story for younger readers. The story is engaging and really drew me in. The beginning was fantastic. Meeting all the characters and learning about why they were at the school. I think that was my favorite part. Learning how all these kids were somewhat misfits and not regarded kindly. Watching them learn to overcome their differences.

Over all the story is fun and engaging. This has a little mystery as well a some funny moments. There also is a nice lesson to be learned. Worth the read.

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Nikita Lesperance

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Southland Academy is a whimsical and fun middle grade book. The different and creative characters make the book funny and interesting. The supernatural characters include the more main stream (witch and werewolf) along with the not so usual (ferret shifter). The characters become fast friends at the supernatural youth boarding school they are sent to and quickly start solving a mystery together. This book is a pretty fast read and is enjoyable. Boys and girls both have relatable characters to choose from and will find the book entertaining.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Kayla Bullock

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare
By Samantha Shannon
4 stars

Jake is nervous when his family goes away for a weekend and he is being sent to doggy daycare. Will the other dogs like him or will his growl scare them away? A refreshing story for young children, Jake shows that it is okay to be nervous about new adventures, but that great things can come from it. Written in rhyme, the story is fun and the illustrations are beautiful. A wonderful story of facing fears and new experiences, Jake can help children adjust to changes and overcome fears.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a young adult story that any age would enjoy. This is a story of fantasy brought to life by the characters. They made the story fun and entertaining to read. This is a well written story about a place called Storey. Some say it is a myth but Luella is about to find out differently. From her she takes you on a fantasy adventure of discovery. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story. They are engaging and I had no problem placing myself on the adventure right along with Luella. She really made a great character. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Great story…. pulled at my heart strings. No doubt this story makes you think of the “what if’s” in life. The story was heart felt from a lonely man and trying to process his thoughts and grief. The voice of the narrator really pulled me in right from the beginning. The story was great and looking forward to continuing this series to see how Conner’s character evolves. 💜💜💜💜💜

Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Carly Vogler

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Betrayal at the Beach by K. L. Montgomery is the first in the Dangerous Curves Series. Sunshine Baker is a Young Adult Librarian in Bryce Beach. This year, she is planning the annual Gala. Since the funds at the library have been cut short, the Gala is the only hope of maintaining the library and it’s employees. When the Bible signed by the town’s founders and the proceeds from the Gala go missing, Sunshine makes it her personal mission to find the person responsible.

This is a feel good, must read! I love the way body positivity and Christianity were both encompassed in this story. Light-hearted and a joy to read.

Review by Carly Vogler

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Kerry Baker

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler is a fantastic young adult fantasy story that has some truly great characters right at its centre. This is the first time I can recall reading a mother/daughter author combination and for these two it definitely worked. I thought the whole book was really entertaining. I loved the idea that the kids were trying to live up to these creatures’ expectations in a supernatural way. The whole book had a fun feel about it and I really felt like I engaged with the characters.
This pairing between authors felt natural and the book reflected this in the pace and flow. I really hope we see more from them in the future.

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Matthews

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Flowers in December – Audio Book

By Jane Suen

4 stars

 

This was a really lovely audio book and I enjoyed listening to it.

I really enjoyed Connor’s story and could feel all of his emotions. I can only imagine the kind of loss that he is currently going through but he was really well supported by the local community. They all clearly loved his mother very much as did he. The way in which the author wrote this story felt like I was going through the grieving process with Connor. Along with Connor were some really lovely secondary characters, I especially liked Mary Ann; she seemed so sweet and genuine. The narrator really got the emotion of the story across well.
A beautifully written story and i would definitely recommend the audio book.

Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Katie Matthews

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

I really like this author and I was really looking forward to this story and as usual I wasn’t disappointed. It was such a lovely book to read, the story flowed really well and I loved the characters. Sunshine really was a joy to read about, she certainly lived up to her name! I loved the mystery of the storyline and it definitely kept my interest throughout. One of the many things I love about this author is how she makes her characters so body positive, it really makes her characters so relatable – I just adore the way in which she writes.
I loved this book; it is definitely one of my favourites from this author and as always, I can’t wait for her next book release! Betrayal at the Beach is a must read and I highly recommend it!

@katiem
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