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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

This was a cute little book that reminds us that everything is not always as it seems and that birthdays (or unbirthdays!) are not always about presents. Sometimes they are more than that! What role will Caspian’s grandpa play this time? Has he forgotten Caspian’s unbirthday? Share this delightful tale with a little one in your life and find out!

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

This beautiful picture book both engages children and teaches them about all the responsibilities (and fun) that come with pet ownership! The storyline educates in a way that flows rather than being a list of dos and don’ts which makes it a great way to introduce little ones to what is required to be a responsible pet owner. Highly recommended!

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Gillian Fawell

The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is beautifully written and introduces young children to the cultural celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year. The different aspects and traditions are incorporated in a way that explains their significance and detail to the reader without sounding like a documentary!
The family at the centre combine the traditions with their modern lives which makes it even more relatable. A great resource for any library, classroom or family bookshelf!

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Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book) by MJ Murray – Review by Gillian Fawell

Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series 2)Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in this gorgeous series that is perfect for any little wanna be detectives out there! Dylan and Emily are the perfect introduction to the mystery genre for preschoolers onwards and even keep the adults guessing as to who the culprits are! A great book to share with the whole family!

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Gillian Fawell

Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries Book 2)Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why did Tad (Janie’s ex-husband) turn up suddenly? What happened to him? Why did so many people have a reason to want him gone? These questions and many more weave throughout this page-turner that keeps you guessing as more of the story (and Tad’s history) unravel and Christy attempts to put the clues together. Although this is book 2 of a series, I haven’t read book 1 and was still fine to read this one as a standalone. That being said, I will plan to go back and read more from this series and this author!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Gillian Fawell

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Cray series and if possible I think I loved it even more than the first! The prose was beautiful and the rhyming kept a steady pace without being cheesy just to achieve a match! This beautiful children’s book helps people of all ages to understand the vast impact of rubbish on the environment and how it can affect sea creatures for example. Great to read on its own, as part of the series or as part of an environmental unit in an educational setting!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Gillian Fawell

Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series, #2)Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, so much to unpack in this brilliant book. There’s the mystery, the romance, the hidden histories and motivations of different characters. The second book in an amazing series, this one contains references to its predecessor but can also be read as a stand alone. Be warned though, the twists and turns will keep you turning the pages and reading long into the night! 5 stars!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Gillian Fawell

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful story that will help kids to understand both the consequences of bullying and the importance of forgiveness and friendship. The rhythm of the story flows well and keeps it simple for younger kids whilst also getting the point across. Would be great to read with an early childhood class.

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

Another beautiful book from this fabulous author! The next installment of Carrie and her adventures with her grandmother’s hidden treasures. This story shows the power of looking at the same everyday things with a different perspective and how it can make the ordinary extraordinary! Highly recommended to read with all ages!

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Gillian Fawell

Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cash and Hollis’ story is a great one! I actually read book #2 in this series first so it was great to go back and discover the whole story of how this, at first unlikely, couple found each other! The chemistry between the two is sizzling and although Cash pretends he is a tough, alpha male, he really carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Will he let Hollis help share the load – read and find out!!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Gillian Fawell

Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Book 3)Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miller and Maisy’s story is one that reminds you not to judge a book by its cover! Like the first two books in this series, things are not always as they seem. Add in the character of Bear, Maisy’s brother who provides a laugh a minute and you have yet another great book from this author. Definitely recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Gillian Fawell

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another brilliant page turner in this series! Pavlo and Regan are both such interesting characters and their fiery chemistry is electrifying as they learn to get along through necessity! Secrets abound in this story and you can’t put this book down! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Shadowed Obsession (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Gillian Fawell

Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this story drew me straight in and the twists didn’t stop coming! Cade is the perfect strong alpha male, but Keira is no shrinking wallflower and the plot kept me guessing throughout! Definitely going to add this author and series to my autobuy list! Well worth a read!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Gillian Fawell

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As an Early Childhood worker this book seems to be a wonderful resource to use in the classroom. It uses beautiful alliteration throughout and allows children to feel affirmed and represented in literature. The illustrations are gorgeous and all in all, this book is a wonderful celebration of culture! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

This is a beautiful, whimsical story about dreams, family connections and how love can conquer any distance. With beautiful adjectives throughout, the story captures the imagination of young and old and allows us to imagine what it would be like if we could really have wings and take off to join the birds!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Gillian Fawell

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not only does this beautiful book contain many inspiring affirmations for young children, it also links them to the alphabet which has multiple benefits! It helps children to learn the alphabet and alphabetical order but also helps children who already know the alphabet to better remember the affirmations as they can link them to the relevant letters. The affirmations are simple but beautiful and creative. Definitely a great book for the whole family!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

This was a beautiful story about the powers of persistence and flexibility as well as being open to new ideas as sometimes the inspiration for an award winning product can come from the strangest of places!
It would be a great story to read with little ones who are struggling with new situations such as starting school, making new friends or trying something new for the first time.
Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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

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

Perfect for this time of year, this 2nd book in a series is a beautiful, cosy Christmas story! I read the previous book earlier this year and loved it so much, that this one was an auto read! I look forward to more from this author and to sharing these stories with my daughter!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a child I always wanted to play detective, and so this book was right up my alley! I loved the characters and the way they played detective to solve the mystery! Looking forward to more in this series and sharing them with my daughter who also loves playing detective!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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

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

This book is gorgeous and teaches dog safety in a fun, child friendly way! The message is told in beautiful rhyme so doesn’t seem preachy but still gets the information across. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

My first Logan McKenna book but you can bet it won’t be my last! A definite page turner that has you guessing right from the start! So many possibilities that you get so involved in – could it have been…. I can’t wait to read more in this series – highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

This book was beautiful and made me cry! Such a sweet story of two young people communicating across the world – it just goes to show that children know the true meaning of friendship. I also learnt a lot about the Ukraine and its culture through this story! Definitely recommended!

 

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

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

So his best friend’s a prince but Lev is a man in uniform! Bodyguard to a prince, he certainly catches Daphne’s eye even if they can’t stand each other! It’s always fun to read an enemies-to-lovers story and watch the characters fight their true feelings! Another brilliant book in this series but perfect as a standalone too! Go read it!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1 by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

Wow! This book was smoking! An everyday girl, a gorgeous prince and a whole lot of spice! This is a fairytale romance for grownups! And only book 1 of a series so there’s plenty more to come! I can’t wait to read more – this one is highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Gillian Fawell

Love Shots (Bluestone Series #4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet another fantastic Bluestone Series book! After having read about Teddy in the previous books, it was great to see him get his turn! Summer is definitely a fiery character and I’ve always been a fan of the trope where the leads grew up together and now years later…! Once again, highly recommended!!

@sparkinside

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

I accidentally read this as the 2nd of my Bluestone Series but it didn’t matter – although there were references to the two characters from book 2, I was still able to become quickly absorbed in the story of Lily and Ace! I love a good fake romance story and this one certainly didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended and I will be reading more from this series!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Gillian Fawell

Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first in the Bluestone Series and my first book by this author, but it quickly became one of many in both categories! Lily is a fiery heroine with a past and Jake is everything you want in an alpha male – strong, working with animals, caring, fights for what he wants… I could go on!
The writing style keeps you reading late into the night and the plot line keeps you guessing! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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

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

I instantly fell in love with this story! The adventures took me back to my childhood when anything was possible and I was on the edge of my seat for each of Russell’s adventures! What would happen and how would he get through this one?! I particularly loved the historical aspect of each adventure and also the family sub-plot. I may have yelled at a couple of characters, but that’s a sign of an engaging story in my book! I can’t wait to read more in this series!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Gillian Fawell

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll admit this book originally threw me as it was not entirely what I was expecting but then that was a good thing! I fell more in love with the characters as I went along and loved all the sidekicks, plus the fact that the leads were not your typical alpha male and stunningly beautiful but unaware heroine. It was definitely a page-turner with plenty of laughs sprinkled in – a great read!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Gillian Fawell

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship RomanceA Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Friends to lovers, hidden feelings, relationships of convenience, all of my favourite tropes in one book! So it goes without saying that I absolutely loved this book! Even if I did get frustrated with Phoebe at times, Laurent sounds like an absolute dream!! And so do the rest of his family who I can see a number of set ups already existing for! Highly recommended!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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