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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Shannon Fowler

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cute kids story about a puppy that couldn’t find her howl. Luna soon discovers that being different is ok. She learns there are all kinds of differences. She also finds what she needs to be a howling success!
This cute story also includes wonderful pictures bringing Luna and her friend to life. Easy to read and sweet for all ages.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Angela Plate, December 2023

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute children’s book. It’s a sweet story about being different and accepting that not everyone is the same. I have 2 children on the autism spectrum and I think this will help younger children understand a little bit about accepting themselves.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Shannen Kern

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read many books by this author, and I believe that this is my favorite so far! I sat down to read this book on a whim and finished it all at once – sorry for all the responsibilities I otherwise neglected! We get to experience life with 24-year-old Karina who loses her grandmother that raised her. It’s heart wrenching and emotional on every level as Karina herself starts to think she’s going crazy. Once someone steals her grandmother’s diary, she knows something bigger is going on. Spinning an incredibly suspenseful tale, this author will throw twists and turns your way on this rollercoaster. I highly recommend picking it up if you’re looking for a quick book to get lost in!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute and silly story my son and I enjoyed. Lois Wickstrom always manages to wrap science in a bit of fun. We are never disappointed when we read her books. We have read so many of them together. I highly recommend any of her books, especially this one.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Lisa Helmick

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

LOVE the illustrations! So detailed, colorful and there are hidden gems all over! No offense to the story (which is good itself) but I had more fun looking at the pages to see what I could find. Then imagine my surprise when I got to the end and it has all kinds of neat things! A child of any age will easily enjoy looking at all the pages while an older child will like both and get the meaning behind the story. Plus this will help a parent to chat about being kind to others and self.

I really like the “Sometimes we make mistakes and thats okay” little paragraph. The next couple pages are wonderful learning opportunities for all (adults too). This is such a good book all the way around that I can see sending this to families in my circle to help spread the kind word.

Well Done!

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Moon Secrets is Book One in the Witch Moon Series. It is a paranormal romance with action, suspense, danger, mystery, intrigue, witches, shifters, and secrets. The story centers Tanjie who finds her life turned upside down when she receives an unexpected inheritance. When she goes to claim the inheritance, she makes the startling discovery that not only is she a witch but that she is the hope for the future. Now she is thrown into a completely unfamiliar world and must learn how to accept her birthright and how to use her new powers. A riveting read with exquisitely written scenes that fully immerse you into the story, great characters that are easily relatable, magic, fated mates, secret worlds, and long buried secrets.

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Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Kerry Baker

Lela's ChoiceLela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Malta is one of my absolute favourite places on earth, so as soon as I read this book ventured to the Isle I knew I had to read it. I really enjoyed this book right from the start. The story was quite complex but was well developed by the author. So much seems to go on and it really drew me in.
I loved the characters in the book. It wasn’t just the main characters that made an impact, they all added to the story and made it even better. This is a great story overall and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Kerry Baker

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read a previous book in this series, I was looking forward to discovering more. This book is a sweet and lovely historical romance story. I really connected with the characters in this book and loved watching how they developed. Their relationship didn’t have a typical start but it was great to watch them grow as their journey went on.
I don’t always enjoy clean romances, as I can find them a bit boring. But the author of these books creates stories that are interesting enough to keep my attention. I have enjoyed the couple of books that I have read so far and I am excited to see what else is in store.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets at the Café is a suspenseful mystery with drama, suspense, secrets, lies, rumors, death, loss, grief, and family relationships. The story centers around the character of Karina who has promised her grandmother that she will look after her café after she passes away. This involves Karina moving back to her small hometown and completely upheaving her life, but she loved her grandmother dearly and will do anything to ensure she follows through on the promise she made. Part of the promise Karina made to her grandmother involves reading a journal her grandmother left behind. However, before she has a chance to read it the journal completely disappears. Rumors are circulating around town about a hidden stash of money so everyone is a suspect. With the list of suspects increasing by the moment, Karina has her work cut out for her trying to determine who stole the journal. A tense, action-filled ride, with twists and turns to keep you reading until the final page. The storyline is intriguing, the characters are admirable, and the secrets the missing journal may contain makes for a compelling read. A great read!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom has done it again. This is a very cute book that helps kids to understand how wind and rain work, in terms they’re eager to understand. Brightly colored and well illustrated pictures help to tell the story from a visionary standpoint. I absolutely recommend this book for young kids learning about weather and how it works.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slay It With A Diamond is Book Three in The Diamond District Mystery Series. It is a cozy mystery with drama, suspense, action, danger, secrets, lies, humor, and witty banter. The story is set in New York City’s Diamond District and centers around the character of Mimi who is an amateur sleuth. Mimi used to be a journalist and loves a good mystery that she can delve into. As she digs into the mystery behind a cursed diamond she uncovers long-buried secrets, family feuds, and scandals that put her life in danger. A great read that takes Mimi into the cutthroat world of diamonds and how sinister it can be. The characters are quirky, and Mimi is someone that can be simultaneously smart and somewhat naive. Her boyfriend seems to help her remain focused and grounded. An entertaining read with twists and turns that will compel you to read to the end.

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Kerry Carr

DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the J. J Morris. I would suggest reading these books in order so that you get the full experience and fully enjoy this author’s writing.
This is a really interesting paranormal mystery book for YA, however older readers would enjoy this as well. The author’s character building is amazing and the world building is so good you can’t help being drawn into it. This is a story filled with mystery, danger, twists and turns as well as the challenges faced by a young girl.

Joey is now at college. After everything that happen previously she is struggling to come to terms with it all and with the realisation that the world isn’t what she first thought it was. Her eyes are now open wide to all the dangerous out there.
As she tries to struggle through her studies while she is being plagued by dreams things start to happen that don’t make sense.
Fires start to happen at the school. Is this just to people playing pranks or could it be something else?
As the fires happen more often Joey’s dreams take a more violent and terrifying turn. Who is trying to get to her through her dreams and why? With the fires, the terrifying dark dreams and people going missing on campus will Joey be able to solve all these mysteries, protect herself and pass this semester in college or will it all be too much for her and will she fall into her dark dreams that the Dream Conductors are placing in her mind.
When you are already confused about the real world, how can to figure out what is real and what is a fantasy?

This story is gripping and I loved the adventure the author took me on. I really felt for Joey as she was going through her struggles and trying to figure out what is normal in her life now. After she has had her eyes opened is it even possible for her to return to just being a normal student. Me personally I think she has seen to much to ever be just a normal person again.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Megan Conley

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m a sucker for shiny things and murder so when I had an opportunity to read about diamonds and murder…sign me up! This is book 3 in the series and while you don’t necessarily need to read the other 2, I think it would help. I liked the idea of the plot being a hybrid learn about diamonds/murder mystery and it was done well…but there were parts that were very slow for me and just really kind of overdone. The beginning was hard for me to get into, but once I did, it was able to keep my interest. I also felt that there was a lot of time spent on characters that weren’t necessarily integral to the plot and that slowed the book down as well. I liked it…it was a fine read.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this children;s book. This is an author that enjoys reading her children’s books for sure. This is a story about Carrie and how she finds a pair of antique wings. Will she be able to figure out how to make them fly? Will she learn the magic of love? This is a cute story that would be great for any child. It is a story that has great illustrations. I enjoyed how the author made the story come to life through them. It is an easy story to read. I highly recommend this children’s book.

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Review by @bjwagner

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance which kept me captivated throughout. Although it’s part of a series it can be read as a standalone story. Each one is about one of twenty brides who have to marry in order to travel to Oregon on the wagon train. Dorothy Mason is a widow looking for a new start moving from Virginia and travelling west to Oregon. It’s not until she arrives in Missouri that she discovers that to travel on the wagon train she must marry again. Having sold her old house and everything she owns, Dorothy has no choice even though she had decided never to marry again, due to her broken heart. Reverend Elias Stone believe’s in bringing lost souls to the Lord, and feels that it’s his calling in life to help those that are lost and moving out west in search of gold and riches. He arranges to join a wagon train heading to Oregon and California but before his journey begins he finds himself in a harrowing situation, that nearly ends his life and potentially stop him from travelling.

His only option is to consider marrying a woman he doesn’t know, but he thinks maybe it’s God’s plan. Elias and Dorothy marry with the understanding they will get an annulment once they reach Oregon. However, having spent the long journey together maybe their plans will change, especially if they end up falling in love. This is a heartwarming, sweet romance with an intriguing storyline and wonderful characters. Both Dorothy and Elias are likeable and relatable, and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story and their connection really came across. The setting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and the added historical details transported me back to the era, and I felt as though I was travelling alongside the couple on the wagon train. I look forward to reading other books in this series.

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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Bobbi Wagner

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy their writing style as well as their attention to details that make the stories realistic. This book is no different. It is a story that is well written with characters that are written with a lot of heart. A story about a widow who is just trying to start over and destiny brings two people together. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story. They are connectable, relatable and kept me engaging throughout the story. I enjoyed the growth which made the story easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Swindle

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another amazing read by Susan Specht Oram, she never disappoints! Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship is full of secrets (as the title implies) with an interesting plot. This one is a cozy mystery, so nothing too brutal or over the top, but plenty of twists and turns along the way. When Karina’s grandmother passes away, she is left in charge of the family cafe and her journal. When the journal is stolen, Karina has to make sure she gets it back, afterall, it was her grandmother’s dying wish. Now with the unread journal missing, the questions begin to circle in. What is in this journal that is so important, is it a treasure map of sorts? Was it taken for greed or to keep something hidden? Who would want her grandmother’s secrets, or who would want to keep them hidden? So many questions and the only way to answer them is to get the journal back. There was definitely some questionable decisions made. Some distrust and some trust given in places that did not make sense to me, but overall I really liked this story and how it played out.

Reviewed BY @zoltrixes

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Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R17NZAG1SJVI8I/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0C9YTGRNL

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/341751343

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/182758142

Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195101359-children-of-the-wild” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Children of the Wild” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691030736l/195101359._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195101359-children-of-the-wild”>Children of the Wild</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20678933.Krysta_Tawlks”>Krysta Tawlks</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6028936907″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Young Elbert and his siblings and parents are trying to navigate their life, while also reeling with grief from loosing the youngest child junie. Elbert feels all these changes happening within him, and he’s scared of what’s happening to him and what he will become, while also helping his brothers. His youngest middle brother sleep walks so Elbert feels like he always needs to be around just to save Finn.<br />Elbert goes through so much in his journey, through grief, family dynamics, his best friend distancing himself. This was such a wonderful read and journey to go through.
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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2YPUSF3SZRWRG/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/199291798

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4117266480

The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2YPUSF3SZRWRG/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/188412194

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1888618881

Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Susan Ratchford

Orenda (The Latitude)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orenda
The Latitude Series Book 2
By: T.S. Simons
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

Just like The 45th Parallel (the first book), and The Antipodes series that this series draws from T.S. Simons creates another beautiful work that draws you in and will not let you go! Her writing is thoughtful, detailed, and emotional. Her apocalyptic dystopian world is full of twists and turns, drama, and love. Seeing the world through her characters is visually and emotionally stunning! The mythology behind Orenda is an amazing concept that made me feel like anyone has the power to change this world for the better! It made me truly think and feel hopeful for what this world has in store for us! I highly recommend at least reading The 45th Parallel before jumping into this book, and if you really want to dig into the background of the latitude series, reading The Antipodes series as well. Both are absolutely amazing and show the depth of T.S. Simons talent! I can’t wait for my continued journey through this intriguing world!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2EWD9ZUCMRV4I/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4096706612

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015432978

Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dreamscape is the second book in the J.J. Morris series. I hadn’t read the first book and enjoyed this book well enough, there was plenty of information to help me catch up, but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full backstory (unless you’re like me and see a pretty cover and can’t stop yourself!).

Joey is struggling to keep up with her day-to-day life as she also deals with the supernatural incidents she’s newly aware of. This will be relatable to anyone who has felt like their life has fallen apart a bit, the descriptions of the chaos of her living space were particularly familiar to me!

There are plenty of mysteries and questions to draw you into the story. How is Jinx the cat getting into Joey’s locked room? What’s with the weird dreams she’s having? What caused the fire on campus? It’s an intense story that will excite your imagination. Jinx, by the way, is definitely one of my favourite characters!

This book gets five stars from me. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Carrie Reed

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very sweet historical and christian romance. I can’t imagine Dorothy’s pain in losing her husband so young, but her faith in God has her pressing onward and on her way to visit her sister. She uses her gifts as a nurse to help Elias, and he in turn ends up helping her and from there the romance between them starts to ignite. They both love the Lord and follow his teachings even in their relationship. It was so interesting to read about the Oregon trail and their journey, along with Elizabeth and all of the many obstacles they faced along the way. I was really drawn into the story and really happy with the outcome.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luna the husky tries so hard to howl like her siblings. When they all get adopted, Luna is lonely. Will Luna ever find her howl? This is a great children’s book about shyness, finding and making friends that are different, and accepting others.

Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannon Fowler

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is the 2nd part and the ending to Wicked Games. Our main characters are Winter and Shane. Both of which we can love to hate for different reasons. Life is tough and if there are no boundaries, guidelines or even good examples for what is right and wrong, tragedies happen.

Winter had a tragic childhood; her sister was murdered as a child. That alone is enough to make anyone crazy. Without the help of parents, or any family, Winter channels her anger, fear and uncertainty on those around her. As a child that meant other children. In particular Shane. Fast forward many years and we have Wicked Games, book 1 in this duet. The two meet again but under different circumstances…thus bringing us the tragic twist of fate, with Wicked Ends.

Shane is the bully we love to hate. He has lived a pampered life as one of the Elite during high school. Football star, caring family, loads of money. As a child Shane was shy, quiet and under the protection of his cousins and brother. He became the target of bullies, and his biggest bully in particular was Winter. She made his life a living hell. Fast forward many years and Shane has grown into his body, toughened up and now becomes the bully. Revenge is sweet. However, there’s something about Winter that just doesn’t add up. Shane is confused by his feelings and what he discovers. Throw in a few family issues of his own, college as well, football requirements and Shane is close to the end of snapping himself.

Coming together these two help each other work through their related tragedy, they learn to love and that forgiveness is ok.

This story is the conclusion to this duet and sadly, the Hidden Valley Elite Series itself. All eight books are great, but I think this one is my favorite.

Can’t wait to see what else this author writes next!

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Alison Risher

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a missing persons case. It’s a cautionary tale for traveling tourists (are there any other types of tourists?). A suspense novel, yet it has a wisp of romance and fidelity running through it. Ultimately the mystery is solved, although not without treachery and tragedy. Overall, this reader was left with the warm fuzzies that accompany the reading of a good book.

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Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jenni Bishop

Lela's ChoiceLela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Jennifer has written a bit of a tangled web in this story. She has cleverly woven complex threads with multiple layers that gives us an intriguing and compelling tale.
Lela’s Choice is an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me hooked. It takes us on a chase around the world and with a bit of everything to keep the pages turning. There is secrets, lies, passion, compassion, loyalty, angst, fear, second chances, and finding love where you least expect it.

I really liked the characters, Lela and Hamish. They are complex and well developed. Lela has put her life on hold for others and it’s time for her to step aside. Only it doesn’t seem like that is on the cards with her overbearing father and a niece on the run. Hamish is wary and does not plan on letting anyone close as it will only be used against him, and he has already suffered enough but what he didn’t expect was a woman that will stop at nothing to get back the ones she loves, and that woman needs his help.
Jennifer Raines is an Australian author who writes heart-warming contemporary romances. Her stories are unique, and her original storylines are refreshing.
Contemporary romance lovers will fall in love with this book.
I look forward to seeing what else Jennifer has in store for us.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jenni Bishop

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Triple Trouble at Amberwood is another wonderful addition and the fourth book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School series. Eleanors passion with ballet and shines through in her words. It is an engaging story with wonderful characters.
This sweet little tale is a delightful children’s paranormal/fantasy story. It is aimed for young readers aged 8 – 13 but young and old will enjoy this fun tale.
Lauren and the gang are drawn into another ghostly adventure at Amberwood haunted ballet school where mischief and mayhem is about to explode. With a new ghost in town things are about to get difficult and friendships are in jeopardy.
If you enjoy a ghostly tale with a bit of mystery, you are going to like this one.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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