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Spring’s Calling: A Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow – Review by Kerry Baker

Spring's Calling (Seasons of Magic, #1)Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow

Springs Calling by Sarah Biglow is a Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy novel. This is a well written novel with and engaging main character.
The book is centred around Ezri and her life. She is the Saviour and it is up to her to solve the case. With her as the focal point it really gives you, as the reader, a focus an helps you to engage in the book.
I found it to be an exciting read, the magic and the normal combined well. The author creates a world where both exist in a convincing manner.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.

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Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot – Review by Katie Matthews

Love the Way You DanceLove the Way You Dance by Allison M Boot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

This was such an enjoyable read! I loved the characters and I loved the storyline. I kind of felt that the story had a fairy tale feel to it and it definitely had a lovely magical element to it. The characters I the story have their own issues/problems to overcome and I really enjoyed seeing how they dealt with the issues arising in their lives. Kara was a sweet character; I loved how she thought and how she thought of others and their happiness. I have read books by this author before and I really love her writing style, the magical world she creates comes alive as I’m reading. I would absolutely recommend this book to other readers!

@katiem
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Hansel & Gretel (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Kerry Chalmers

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit HoleHansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hansel & Gretel (Down the rabbit hole) This is a collection of short stories, by multiple authors retelling the classic story of Hansel and Gretel. I never used to like retellings of classic stories, until I came across the Alice in wonderland collection. I love reading this book, I think my favourite story was probably Erin Lee’s Hazel and Gretchen, it was absolutely haunting, I got chills reading it, I don’t want to give any spoilers but it’s about two girls who’s parents are just awful, it’s in Hazels voice and I was almost in tears by the end of part 1. Another one I really enjoyed was Amy Allen’s the witch in the woods. All fantasy and Fae kings, more of a traditional retelling and sticks quite close to the original Hansel and Gretel. Just brilliant, thank you.

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Hansel & Gretel (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Anantha Rusum

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit HoleHansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hansel and Gretel: Down the rabbit hole is a collection of seven short stories based on the actual fairy tale deftly written by different authors. Each author unleashes their imagination a different way and it was interesting to see those fragments weave into seven lovely creations.
Each story has different flavors, romance, horror, fantasy, fear and conceit. I liked the first and the last one the best. The first is when the witch is more like a namesake guardian to the two children who are sent to Earth from another realm. The witch is also banished as the king’s son suspects that the witch loves his father. It has a fairy tale romance ending where the witch and the king are reunited and show children the happy way of life.
Another story which I liked was the Dragon and the Phoenix by Rachel Pudsey. In this story, the prince and the princess in a realm are expected to gain their super powers after a certain age. The prince gains it and shapeshifts into a dragon, but there are several side effects which occur because of this. This is supposed to be neutralized by the Phoenix, the shape shifting form of the princess. But unfortunately, the princess does not gain the powers which leaves the prince, the king and his kingdom in great misery.
One more story which strikes the chord in lieu with the current pandemic is The Surface by Cee Cee Elaine. People in this story wear masks and head to the bunkers for the lockdown.
Overall it is a very enjoyable read and I really liked it ! Looking forward for more such anthologies !

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Hero High: Figure in the Flames by Mina Chara – Review by Heather Bass

Figure in the Flames (Hero High, #1-3)Figure in the Flames by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first series I have read from this author and now I’m hooked. I absolutely love fantasy books but this author exceeded all my expectations. This set has three books to this amazing series. The first book is called Denial, then Anger, and lastly Bargaining. Once I started this series I could not stop. You will fall in love with all of the characters. I hope there will be more books in the future.

Denial

Friday is like your normal seventeen year old. She had friends and family but when her dad finds out she has a super power he ships her to a special school. Friday is shipped to the number one hero school, Hero High. She is now in a more structured environment that she doesn’t like. Friday also has to be filmed everyday but at least she has her best friend by her side. She is surprised when she finds out what it takes to be a superhero. Friday doesn’t have the time because this man that is on fire is making trouble and Friday needs to find out why. Will Friday fit into her new school or will she be the outcast?

Anger

Friday is getting used to her new school for superheroes. She is still wondering what the guy that was on fire was all about. Friday is now being followed everyday and she now met a new super villain. She wants to know where they came from but it is very dangerous. Friday is starting to believe that production is behind some of this but why? Will Friday be able to trust anyone or are they all lying to her?

Bargaining

Friday is now part of the gold team but everything else is falling apart. She still feels like she is being watched and her friendship with Jake is breaking. Friday is now popular and even the film crew is helping her out. She doesn’t want to let Captain Fantastic down either. Friday is getting closer to figuring out who the new Dr. Dangerous is but when she finds out will it crush her dreams? Will Friday fight for what she believes in or will she have to give in?

Review by @heatherbass
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Hero High: Figure In The Flames by Mina Chara – Review by Faith Jackson

Figure in the Flames (Hero High, #1-3)Figure in the Flames by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was interesting from start to finish. It leads you down unexpected paths as you are seen through Friday’s lens. She’s in a reality show involving superheroes at a high-powered high school. In a fellowship where stardom is all around them as they come into their own as the champions they are.
Conquerors are all around them rescuing others around the clock. Captain Fantastic leads the famous heroes. Friday and Jake are both childhood friends who are recruited to be next in line to combat evil forces to save their world from destruction. Returning from the abyss, Doctor Dangerous and the Figure in the Flames, Captain Fantastic faces the ultimate betrayal.
Up against major forces including her childhood friends and believing in Doctor Dangerous, Friday must make a dire choice that could catapult her into stardom and rise above as the hero she is.
This beautiful world building trilogy keeps you on your toes and to a place you’d never imagined. These characters are lovable and worth the read as we go on an awesome adventure with them through every book. I’ve loved these books from the author. Fantastic reads!

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Hansel & Gretel (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Faith Jackson

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit HoleHansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From start to finish, I enjoyed each story. Each one a different take on the classic tales. So many conversations could be sparked following each one. You wouldn’t expect romance, child abuse, mental illness, etc. to be in a series like this but it was such a pleasant surprise to read.
Thank heavens I enjoy being scared too, LOL, because some invoke fear in you and also a sweeter side to the series as well. I loved it!

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Sunshine Kisses (A Kisses Novella) by Elaine Marie – Review by Faith Jackson

Sunshine KissesSunshine Kisses by Elaine Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crystal Brooke just received heartbreaking news and has now found a new lease on life. She’s on an adventure to support her best friend getting married but on the search for a rendezvous, a romp in the sheets, if you will. She creates a tangled web when her new fling is someone totally unexpected. Spencer is on the prowl for the same thing Crystal is but has crushed on one of his best friends for awhile. He’s eager for Crystal to see him differently than who he has been. Will Spencer succeed in taming Crystal or will Crystal’s battle for her life run him away?
This book is heartbreaking yet fun to read. Love conquers all and this is well worth the emotional journey we take with these characters through their ride. I loved it from cover to cover.

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Designing Love (The Calderone Family Romance Series Book 3) by Victoria Grant – Review by Faith Jackson

Designing Love (The Calderone Family Romance Book 3)Designing Love by Victoria Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Practically-minded, brutally honest, Carol Winters is at the peak of her career and for the most part has avoided relationships by her own default. Her boundaries are tested when she’s chosen as lead designer for Calderone Industries and must work with the bosses’ son. He’s creative and handsome but he’s intervening with her work.
Charles Calderone is an expert at the finer things in life but doesn’t want to settle for just a job when his knowledge expands further than just that. Being VP at the family’s firm is challenging (to say the least) but he’s got his sights on an architect. As she is gorgeous and gifted, but she annoys the hell out of him by bugging him to consult on every design decision!
The more heated their arguments get, the more they learn to like one another but their worlds entwine sooner than later. They have to wiggle through their madness to find common ground but will they? Or will both their careers be lost because of this?
I found that this book was sweet, romantic and unpredictable. The tit for tat battle these two create for themselves make the book playful. Their work relations make it more adult and I found it very intriguing to read. I loved this pleasant read!

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Humiliating Revenge: Contemporary Young Adult Romance by T. Christensen – Review by Katie McEwen

Humiliating RevengeHumiliating Revenge by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Humiliating Revenge is a Young Adult Romance by T. Christiensen. This book had so many different elements to it, it was difficult to pinpoint which element was my favorite. The relationship between the main characters and how their relationship unfolds is definitely an interesting one. I won’t give that away because I would hate to ruin one of the best parts of the book. Also, the main character’s relationship with her father is relatable to anyone who has ever gone through any kind of domestic violence. I think it is important that we see these kinds of relationships in literature more often so that it brings them to light. I like how the author addressed the situations. The “steamy” parts of the book, I felt, were absolutely perfect for a Young Adult romance. When reading a young adult romance I look for a certain level of steam and romance, but not too much and this book delivered perfectly! I would highly recommend this book.

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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Kerry Chalmers

Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucifer’s Emblem (Celestial Academy Book 1) By Sarah Biglow and Molly Zeno. This story starts when Lucifer’s emblem is stolen right from under Zuri’s nose. Zuri is lucifers daughter and she is determined to get back her fathers emblem, even if it means changing her identity and infiltrating the Celestial Academy. I loved this book. It is written really well and draws you in form page one. I think it was a great unique story and would highly recommend this book to everyone I know.

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The Seal of Solomon – Lilandra’s Reeves Adventure (Supernatural Intelligence Agency Book 2) by Nadine Travers – Review by Kerry Chalmers

The Seal of Solomon: A Lilandra Reeves Adventure (Supernatural Intelligence Agency: World Book 2)The Seal of Solomon: A Lilandra Reeves Adventure by Nadine Travers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seal of Solomon : A Lilandra Reeves Adventure (Supernatural Intelligence Agency, #2) By Nadine Travers.

This book follows Lilandra Reeves, she’s a warrior witch and is summoned to collect the Seal of Solomon an artefact which allows the holder to control demons. When it is snatched from under her nose Lilandra comes face to face with someone from her past, someone she never thought she would see again. I really really enjoyed reading this book and I hope we see more from Lilandra’s point of view, some questions left unanswered so I’m hoping we do get more. Full of magical creatures, action and twists all the way through it was a very enjoyable read. Thank you for another great story in this series.

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Kat’s Conundrum (Raven and Hummingbird Book 3) by Nikki Broadwell: Review By Kerry Chalmers

Kat's Conundrum (Raven and Hummingbird Book 3)Kat’s Conundrum by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kat’s Conundrum (Raven and Hummingbird Book 3) By Nikki Broadwell. What a brilliant book. I enjoyed this story so much, the Author sure knows what she’s doing. I was hooked throughout. This story follows Kat a Demi Goddess, who’s life is currently out of her control. I started this series on this book so I will have to go back and follow up on previous book, I think it will make a few things fall into place. I think anyone who loves fantasy will love this book. Five starts *****

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Bargaining (Hero High Book 3) by Mina Chara – Review by Kerry Chalmers

Bargaining (Hero High, #3)Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bargaining (Hero High Book 3) by Mina Chara.

I can honestly say I have loved following this series from the start. We are following Fridays story. Friday is a very relatable and realistic character. She’s not perfect and she knows it and doesn’t try to be anything else which I love about her. Mina Chara has done another great job keeping the readers attention and is an amazing author. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series. Highly recommended.

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Hero High: Figure In The Flames by Mina Chara – Review by Kerry Chalmers.

Figure in the Flames (Hero High, #1-3)Figure in the Flames by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hero High. Figure In The Flames. By Mina Chara. We follow Fridays story arriving at Icon City. A place for the magically gifted, which is also broadcast to millions via a reality television series. This was a great series to read, I really enjoyed following Friday along her way, she’s a very relatable character. I would say this series is suitable the early teen/young adult, I will be letting my daughter read it next. Great storyline, brilliant characters and lots of fantasy. Well done.

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HIT AND RUN by Diane Hester – Review by Kerry Chalmers

Hit and RunHit and Run by Diane Hester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hit and Run by Diane Hester. Wow what a read!! I absolutely loved reading this book, it was jam packed with twist and turns. I love it when you read a book and can’t guess what going to happen next, this book does exactly that. Driving home alone one night Raina hits a man, imagine her surprise when he then points a gun at her and tells her to drive… The main characters in this books are just great Diane really makes you feel like you are right there with them on a crazy journey. Brilliant book I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

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Not So Far (Love Grows Series Book 3) by Renee Regent – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Not So Far (Love Grows series, Book 3)Not So Far by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not so Far by Renee Regent is book three of the Love Grows series. These books can be read as standalones.

Silas didn’t expect to be back in Atlanta, he actually avoided it the best he could. But now that he’s back, there’s only one thing that could keep him there. He knows Audrey likely hates him for how he left years ago but he did what he thought he needed to do. Audrey’s life is finally where she knows what she wants. The last thing she expected is to see Silas again. She needs to summon all the strength she has to resist Silas. Her secret should be her motivation but she finds resisting him harder than it should be. Will these two get a do over or will mistakes be made?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t expect how things would play out which kept the book interesting. I had to find out what was next. This book was so good I’m going to have to go back and read the first two books in the series.

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Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine – Review by Jenni Bishop

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2)Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine continues Bryer and Nathan’s love story, so I suggest reading the first book first. Once again I find myself torn as to the rating as I did with the first book and the characters. I was still not able to fully gel with them and wanted to strangle them both and maybe do away with Cash, sorry not sorry! The story is fast paced and Virginia’s writing style is interesting and keeps you in suspense of what is to come.

Bryer and Nathan seem to have it all and finally seem settled. That is until Bryer’s past comes back with a vengeance. Cash wants her back and will stop at nothing and I mean nothing to get her back but he never expected a fight on his hands. Will Bryer choose Nathan or Cash?

Virginia once again left us with a cliffhanger right at the very end so I can’t wait to see where she takes us.

3.5 – 4 stars

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Hansel & Gretel (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Jenni Bishop

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit HoleHansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole is an anthology of stories from 7 different authors who each give their own unique twists and interpretations of the classic tale, Hansel & Gretel. 7 Authors, 7 Stories. Each one brings raw and emotional responses such as horror and fear, danger and lies. Each one is as different as the next.

The Witch in the Woods by Amy Allen – Morgause is sent into the human realm with twins, based on orders but she soon realises that what she had been told was all a lie and is full of deceit.

The Surface by CeeCee Elaine – Is about people going underground due to a virus and not all things are as they seem.

The Reaper Within by Jess Bagnall – A young boy has been shunned his whole life becomes a hunter in which he hunts the monsters but who is the true monster.

Shadows that Move by Lorah Jaiyn – is a world in which nobody believes what they can’t see and what they can’t see makes you crazy.

Hazel & Gretchen by Erin Lee – When parents decide it’s time for a holiday they leave their kids behind but where exactly did they leave them?

The Dragon and the Phoenix by Rachel Pudsey – Will the prophecy come true where the Dragon and Phoenix rule?

The Sweetest Day by Debra Parmley – The things we do to ensure we won’t be eaten by witches.

There is romance and fantasy, horrors and lies, fae and kings and so much more. No two stories are the same. Beware not all are as they seem……

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Not So Far (Love Grows Series Book 3) by Renee Regent – Review by Angela Hayes

Not So Far (Love Grows series, Book 3)Not So Far by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Not So Far is the third book in the Love Grows series by Renee Regent. This contemporary second chances romance is a great story with all the emotion I have come to expect from Ms. Regent. This is all about second chances, the power of love, fighting the odds to be together, chemistry, secrets, discovery, and passion.
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, so when this popped up on my recommended book feed- I happily one-clicked a copy for myself.
This is Audrey and Silas’ story. We have met Audrey previously. She has been through quite a lot. Widowed young, with 3 young children. Silas is back after 18 years. He and Audrey have a history together, full of secrets and heartache. But can you truly forget your true love? What happens when they reconnect makes for a wonderful read.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Thank you, Renee Regent!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Angela Hayes

A High Price to Pay (Madeline Dawkins, #2)A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

A High Price to Pay is the second book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. This is another exciting mystery following Madeline Dawkins sleuthing adventures. This story takes place three years after the ending of book one. With the event planning/private investigation business in full swing- Madeline is caught up in planning a huge shindig for Hollywood elite. A year in the making, Madeline needs everything to go off without a hitch. But Madeline seems to attract trouble. The party turns into a murder investigation when a body is discovered in an upstairs bedroom. And Madeline is on the list of suspects. Added to her troubles is the fact that one of her abductors from the previous book, has cut a deal and is being released early. Will he be gunning for Madeline, since she helped put him away? His release draws out the evil leader of the kidnappers, who is hell bent on revenge. Things turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where Madeline and Mike will need to keep their wits about them and harness all their skills if they are to survive.
This cleverly crafted story has all the elements required to make it riveting. Missing jewels, an FBI investigation, a huge ‘Hollywood’ event, murder, suspense, unravelling three mysteries, betrayal, a reunion, revenge, a game of cat and mouse, a life or death battle for survival, and much more.
I loved all the excitement, emotion, tension, drama, and intrigue that Ms. Hamilton always manages to instil in her stories- I can always count on her for an exciting read.
Fantastic!

Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine – Review by Michelle Austin

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2)Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2) by Virginia Wine was a great 5 star read.
I was pulled in right from the beginning. Since this is a trilogy you should read the books in order.

Nathan and Bryer have gone through quite a bit and have gotten to the point that they can express their love for each other Bryer is also able to trust again. Trying to move forward from their pasts….Bryer’s isn’t quite ready to let go of her. Cash continues to manipulate Bryer.
When he convinces Bryer to come back things take a twist and things start to get questioned.

Will Cash and Bryer’s relationship be strong enough? What kind of future can they have?

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. We get romance, danger and so much more. My emotions were all over the place. I really love the characters and the secondary characters. And I will warn we do have a cliffhanger that will make you anxious for the next book. If you’re looking for a series that pulls you right in, this is the one for you. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Not So Far (Love Grows Series Book 3) by Renee Regent – Review by Katie Kearney

Not So Far (Love Grows series, Book 3)Not So Far by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not So Far (Love Grows series Book 3) by Renee Regent. I simply love each of these stories and this one I love just as much if not just slightly more. The characters are complex and relatable and completely had me wrapped in their story. Each one has there own story to be heard and the author does a wonderful job of making readers feel a connection with the characters. The connection between the characters is undeniable and definitely one I won’t be forgetting any time soon. I definitely couldn’t put this book down and loved every minute of being lost in it. Five stars all the way and highly recommended.

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Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine – Review by Kari Williams

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2)Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine is the second novel in The Forgotten Trilogy. This story continues following Nathan and Bryer on their journey.

Picking up where the first novel left off, we follow Nathan and Bryer as they get to know each other more and are still trying to grow personally. When Bryer’s past makes an appearance in her life again will Nathan be able to keep it to together?

I love the characters in this trilogy. Gen and Clayton are super fun too! I cannot wait for the final story in the trilogy!

Review by @knwilliams709

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A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Katie Kearney

A High Price to Pay (Madeline Dawkins, #2)A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton. This book was in my opinion better than the first but both are enjoyable. I do highly recommend reading these stories in order to fully enjoy and to not have any confusion. Our main character Madeline has grown a bit and I felt a better connection to her this time around. The storyline is well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I found myself awake late to see it through until the very end and not being able to put it down. I’m excited to see where this author takes readers next. Four stars and highly recommended!

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Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine – Review by Amanda Taylor

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2)Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forgotten Promise is the second book in the The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine and let me say I loved reading this series. This book was better then the first which has me excited to read the next installation for this series. This book follows Cash again with his crap and Nathan and Bryer and let me tell you, you will either fall in love with the characters or hate them. What will Bryer choose when she is thrown into a test she’s not expecting? The way this author writes makes you feel like you are experiencing the story along with those in the page. I highly recommend reading these books in order.

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Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine – Review by Rachel Moss

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2)Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forgotten Promise (book two in the Forgotten series) by Virginia Wine was a good story and follow up to the first one. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first however. It felt rushed in many parts, and the time of events wasn’t clearly defined so it kept throwing me off, when things would happen but there was no clear event change happening. However, this was a great sequel to the first novel. I did enjoy it the further I read into it and I can’t wait to read the installment in this trilogy.

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Hansel & Gretel (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit HoleHansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this anthology a fascinating read, it includes seven different stories retelling the Hansel and Gretel fairy story. The stories are written by seven different well known authors and each story in this multi genre anthology will either, “tantalise you, scare you, or titillate you”. Each author gives you a version of Hansel and Gretel that has never been told before. The following stories are Hansel and Gretel reimagined by the various authors. “Come and join us…Down the Rabbit Hole!”, The Witch in the Woods by Amy Allen, The Surface by CeeCee Elaine, The Sweetest Day by Debra Parmley, Hazel and Gretchen by Erin Lee, The Reaper Within by Jess Bagnall, Shadows that Move by Lorah Jaiyn and, The Dragon and the Phoenix by Rachel Pudsey.
I enjoyed all seven of the stories and liked how different each one once and that the anthology covered many different genres. For example, in Debra Parmley’s, The Sweetest Day, Harry and Greta become lost in the woods and remember their Grandmother telling them the fairy story, Hansel and Gretel. Determined not to make the same mistakes they are reminded not to take candy from strangers and not to enter gingerbread houses.
Having reached a house that is not made of candy and are invited in by a lady telling them not to eat sugary foods they except. However when they wake up with magic shackles on their ankles after having tea and a muffin they realise they have been tricked. Nearing Harry’s eighteenth birthday six years later the witch must eat him soon or he will be unpalatable, and Greta is now addicted to the sugar the witch gave her to plump her up. Can they both escape before the witch cooks them, no spoilers as I recommend reading the story as I was hooked from the start.
In Hazel and Gretchen, Erin Lee tells a twisted and contemporary version of the fairy story. Hazel and Gretchen have been locked away by horrible parents and are now running out of bread and milk. The light outside the locked door is also fading stopping the sisters from returning to the real world, will they escape or be stuck for eternity. Again no spoilers, and again I was hooked from page one.
Lorah Jaiyn’s retelling, Shadows That Move had me gripped from the start. Daphne had heard a warning her entire life following her mother’s unsolved murder, “Don’t look for movement in the shadows, watch for the shadows that move”. It never made any sense to Daphne until she got lost in the forest and then the shadows came for her.
Each story had me fully immersed in its storyline and had well developed and engaging characters. I liked reading the short stories by the seven different authors and found that it gave me an insight into each of the writers and their varying styles. I would recommend all seven of the stories and was amazed at how many ways the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale could be retold, each story was unique and original.

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Forgotten Promise Book two: The Forgotten Trilogy by Virginia Wine – Review by Liz Vrchota

Forgotten Promise (Forgotten #2)Forgotten Promise by Virginia Wine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second installment of The Forgotten Trilogy from Virginia Wine. I really enjoyed the first book and highly recommend that you start with book one before diving into this one because the characters continue through this one and the backstory I find is important as well to fully enjoy the novels to their potential. In Forgotten Promise we see Bryer and Nathan feeling confident that they have things working in the right direction for the most part. Of course there is a twist and turn plot theme to these books and eventually things will become once again trying for these two. This obstacle and the fallout may just break them, but will it? I will say we find another cliffhanger that will keep us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next book to be in our hands. I am excited to see how things will work out for these two and to see what drama awaits them in the future.

Review by @lizaileen
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Hansel & Gretel (Down the Rabbit Hole) Anthology – Review by Cindy Rushin

Hansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit HoleHansel & Gretel: Down the Rabbit Hole by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hansel and Gretel Reimagined was so good. Each author’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale held enough adventure, fun and some real twists that it kept my attention. I loved how each story had a unique take to the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel and each story touched on some major life issues, including mental illness, obesity, and the bond between siblings to name a few. Some of the stories were even a little dark, which I enjoyed. Other stories focused on the bond between the brother and sister that helped them to triumph over evil. Hansel and Gretel Reimagined brought to my attention seven new authors to watch out for as each story was interesting and I look forward to reading more from each of them.

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