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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gillian Fawell

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? This book was absolutely beautiful. It captured all the aspects of different teacher styles and most importantly underlined the true essence of a teacher’s heart and why they do what they do. As an Early Childhood Education student myself, I resonated with the thoughts in this book and felt it was perfectly written for its target age group. A lovely gift for teachers or students!

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This collection of short stories is so touching and heartwarming. With all the different topics and themes covered there is something for every child and this would be the perfect book for any teacher, parent/carer, counsellor or anyone else who wants to support the emotional wellbeing of a child in their lives. Definitely one to have ready to go!

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Right in Front of You (Morris Valley Gang Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian (Morris Valley Gang Book 1)Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brinley and Adrian are brilliantly written! Brinley is no stereotypical, weak female but Adrian is still the strong, male protector which I love! I love the town of Morris Valley and its many characters – young and old, they’re all brilliant! Definitely looking forward to reading more in this series!

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Echoing Hearts (The Echo Series Book 1) by C.R. Alam – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Echoing Hearts (Book 1 of The Echo Series)Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great read with surprising characters that were developed well throughout the story. Even with an alpha male lead, Rae (the female lead) was definitely not a weak, helpless character. I really enjoyed how the storyline built and more was revealed about Rae and Dean. Highly recommend this book and looking forward to more in the series!

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers, #4)Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? This was a great book to read and I fell in love with the characters! It was a fun and easy read that could be enjoyed as a stand alone but I loved it so much I need to go back and read the other Pierce brothers’ stories!!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Half-Pint Porky made me laugh as she reminded me of my 4 year old daughter who also hates to wait! The character names are fabulous and the animal/pirate settings help to make an everyday occurrence come alive! This story is one children can identify with as they develop that all important skill called patience! One for anyone to read with the children in their lives!

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Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great, easy to read romance with a suspenseful twist. The twins were adorable and Marley and Max were very likable, complex characters. I loved their nicknames for each other! In reading their story I discovered a great new to me author and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series including book 1!

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Gillian Fawell

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My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit this book did not go in the direction I thought it would – the storyline is definitely original and kept me guessing throughout! So really it had a twist of mystery behind it as the characters were gradually built and little tidbits about them were revealed throughout. Jasmine and James have a unique story and one that I enjoyed reading – would recommend!

 

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this twist on a well known TV show format! I am a marriage of convenience trope fan and Abi and Finn’s adventure settled just in that perfect sweet spot! As a bonus, you have an Irish hero who is also a celebrity so you get that peek into the personal life of a famous star! I will be definitely be looking out for the other books in this series! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great story that reminds us all that we need to take the time to enjoy the environment around us and how important it is for children’s voices to be heard. Amaleigha is such a sweet, smart girl and she has some great ideas – one of which is obviously explored in this beautiful story. Highly recommended!

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gillian Fawell

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a mum to a 4 year old girl, this book got me right in the feels. It echoed everything I wish for my little one and what mum hasn’t wished they had a magic wand to make the world perfect for their son or daughter? This would be a beautiful gift for a new parent or even for that special child in your life as a book to read together! Highly recommended!

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a beautifully inspirational and inclusive story. Shows the true heart of children and what can happen when adults get on board with the ideas of the children in their lives rather than dismissing them because they are young. The children are the future as the saying goes and they see things so clearly. Amaleigha is definitely one of those children with a beautiful heart and I would recommend this book for all parents to read with their little ones.

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Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Operation BlackbirdOperation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The detail in this book – it’s amazing! The saying ‘show don’t tell’ definitely applies to this beautifully written narrative about the Cold War. Characters from previous titles in this series make appearances but our new heroine Miriam is feisty and brave as she navigates the new world in the decades following WWII. Another great story from this fantastic author!

 

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The Brass Compass (Brass Compass Series Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Gillian Fawell

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The Brass CompassThe Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lily – the heroine of this tale – is brave and daring and the narrative is written in such a way that as the reader you are kept on the edge of your seat by what happens to her! This story reminds us that the end of the war was not clear cut by any means and that there were many parties involved, all with their own agendas. Definitely worth a read – especially if, like me you’re a fan of historical fiction!

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many twists and turns in this wonderful book! Kept me guessing and reading into the night – nothing was as it originally seemed! Definitely an original plot line and a number of genres mixed together! What an adventure! I recommend it!

 

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There’s a lot to be discovered in Mysty Haven and in this fun page-turner we get to discover it through the eyes, ears and especially nose of investigative reporter Bob. I loved that little pieces were revealed at a time and not everything was explained at once even when it wasn’t exactly natural. I look forward to more books by this fabulous author!!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read one of The Notebook Mysteries by the same author, I can’t believe I didn’t click that Aunt Emma was the same Emma! No wonder I loved the character of Lottie and her varied group of friends. It was once again fantastic to read about the US at the beginning of the 20th Century and to have adventures with female heroines who do not fit the stereotypes of the time! Love a strong female lead! Will definitely be looking for more from this author and her wonderful characters!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many gorgeous pictures to colour! The images have a Halloween twist but are also cute and fun! Plus I love the testing pages at the front that allow you to test your colouring materials first rather than potentially ruining any of the colouring pages by accident! Will be looking forward to more from this creator!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven’t read much about 19th Century Chicago before but this book had it all. Hidden, mysterious happenings, a great female protagonist and a great cast of characters! It was wonderful to see a female heroine being taken seriously in this time period and Emma is not without a few tricks up her sleeve which definitely kept me amused and reading long into the night. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Love’s Mulligan (Stroke of Love Book 1) by CA Miconi – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Love's MulliganLove’s Mulligan by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The dream of the one who got away secretly still pining after you? – check! A second chance at love – well you’ll just have to read this fabulous book in a series! I can definitely tell you it’s worth the read – great characters, an exciting, modern setting and so much more! Looking forward to more from this author!

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The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Gillian Fawell

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The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and I have read many books on WWII but this one just struck differently. I think the fact that it was based on a true story and also from the perspective of an ordinary French family in German occupied France during the war years all just gave it a unique twist! I learnt things I never knew and became so invested in the Naget family’s plight that I just couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended!

Review by @sparkinside

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Gillian Fawell

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One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well Seth is a little different to his brothers that have featured in this series so far but that doesn’t mean he’s not a nice guy too! Victoria certainly has more guts than me with her bravado and plotting – I was cringing in anticipation of her being discovered! A sign of a great author creating great characters when you empathise with them like that! Looking forward to book 4!

Review by @sparkinside

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers Book 2) by Belinda Williams – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers, #2)Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that the tag line mentions not being funny because the banter between Nadia and Luke was so entertaining! I love that Nadia is not one to back down and neither is Luke so when you put them together sparks fly! Another great book in this series with another nice guy – it must run in the family!

Review by @sparkinside

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Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers Book 1) by Belinda Williams – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers, #1)Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book I’ve read in this series and the first by this author but it definitely won’t be the last for either. I fell in love with Tom and Chelsea straight away – maybe I’m just a sucker for nice guys lol. The supporting characters also provide comic relief and I look forward to reading some of their adventures in the coming books!

 

Review by @sparkinside

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ah young love! How different this book was to the others in the series simply because of the age of the main characters! Loukas and Krystina are just starting out and discovering who they are and what they want (or supposedly don’t want) in life. From different family struggles to learning what lies beneath, this book was fantastic and I highly recommend it!

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve always wanted to work on a magazine and I love an alpha male! This second book in the series delivers it all! It was great to learn more about Mia and her life away from her family plus the gorgeous Nicholas of course! What is behind his hot and cold attitude? I love when characters have depth like that! What can I say but yet another amazing book by this author!

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, anyone else hungry after reading this book? My thanks to the author for providing so many recipes too – now to see if I’m as talented as Kally! I’ll admit it took me a moment to get into this book and to warm to Kally but once I learnt more about her background it was easier to see where she was coming from and I warmed to the whole Anadarakis family – I’m looking forward to learning more about them in the rest of the series as well as Max and Athena of course! Oh and I almost forgot – grateful to learn more about Greek culture too! This book has it all!

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book kept me on my toes right from the start! The suspense and tension is built right from the first chapter – you just know something is going to wrong – it’s like when you hear that music on a TV show! Nora Sommer is not your average detective from her heritage to her attitude, she throws you at every turn! Definitely one to keep an eye on! Plus the setting – wow! Highly recommended!

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Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series (Books 1-5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series (Books 1-5)Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is always great when you have a whole series of books in one collection as then you don’t have to wait for the next one but I will now have to read more of this author’s fabulous titles! Five is not enough!
From spurned lovers causing mischief to heart melting moments, this series has it all plus more! The locations are so easy fall in love with and so are all the people who live there! Heartbreaking tragedy, happy ever after, all of these stories will keep you reading way into the early hours!

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Gillian Fawell

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first book by this author, but it won’t be the last especially as this is the first in a series! Morgan and Vandana bring the spice and the heat in this modern luxury romance. The locations including Monaco and LA provide the perfect backdrop – who wouldn’t want to be relaxing in a gorgeous hotel on the Mediterranean?? A great read for by the beach or snuggling up with a blanket on a cold winter’s night!!
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