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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Sugar

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve been waiting for this book! The entire series is easily in my top 5 favorite series and I couldn’t wait for more! The first 2 books were about Cole and this book is about his younger brother Damon! The drama, the angst…I CANT GET ENOUGH. I love how Skylar doesn’t give a shit and she keeps her head held high. She doesn’t back down from the “Elite” even if others do. She’s her own person and she stands her ground, regardless what others think. The Hidden Valley Elite is just all around AMAZING and if you haven’t read them, please do! Each book has a cliffhanger and it makes you CRAVE more. I love when books have me invested in them and I can’t think of anything else. READ THIS BOOK!

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Amanda Glaspie

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an intense journey through spiritual awareness and unconditional love. The chapters were short but moved seamlessly. This isn’t your typical story telling novel but it does read beautifully. Ultimately, this is not the typical genre I read but I truly enjoyed it.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom Reviewed by- Jamie Burns

Lois Wickstrom is an amazingly talented children’s book author and she creates wonderful books that children can relate to. In the story, The Messy Kids, is about a little boy named Chester who is having too much fun playing to clean up. Instead of cleaning his room, he decides to go outside to clean the sandbox. While he is outside, he meets the messy kids. As you can imagine, they make a huge mess of the sandbox. The messy kids and Chester go back inside to his bedroom to find toys all over the place. Do they clean the mess, goodness no! It would be much more fun to play. The toys end up under Chester’s bed and mom is not too happy with him for not cleaning her room the correct way. Chester told his mom about the messy kids, and he was told to teach them how to clean up the mess. Will Chester be able to teach the messy kids how to clean up and put away the toys in the correct places? Find out by reading The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a fun children’s book and it is relatable because most children would rather play than clean their room. make a great big mess! I loved the messy kids, in fact, they remind me of Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the hat because they always make a huge mess, but they alway clean it up afterwards.

Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jules Herbert

Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a great story of a second chance at love with wonderful characters, loads of heart and a totally deserved happy ending. Celia and Kyle were definitely meant to be together but her secrets, even kept for good reasons, threatened any chance they may have had for a happy ever after. The whole time I was reading it I was pulling for these characters to finally be together. To put it simply I loved it!!! So get reading!!

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The Hussar’s Duty (The Winged Warrior Series Book 3) by Griffin Brady – Review by Alison Risher

The Hussar's Duty (The Winged Warrior #3)The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I do not enjoy war or warfare itself, there is a special place in my heart for warriors. The main characters are a warrior and his wife in medieval Poland. There are similarities to German spellings and the grammatical syntax of the Russian languages to be quite interesting. These details are compelling as points of history. Another interesting point is the role the wife takes, both in her marriage and her household.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Michelle Austin

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning. I really liked the characters. It has been awhile since I have read a historical romance and I quickly was reminded of why I enjoy them. The author does a great job with her writing. Helen is coming home as a widow with her child. She meets Conway who was sent by her brother to retrieve them. There was something about Helen and her daughter that grabbed his attention. Can Conway get through Helens walls and convince her to give him a chance? This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. 1-click and get started today. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Erin DeRoma

Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very intriguing read. I got very into it rather easily. It was hard to believe it was all true. It was almost like two stories in one, the events leading to Toby’s conviction and then the sisterhood and reform mentioned in the title. This was a very interesting read, a little different from my typical reads. I think this is certainly a must read and honestly could be a good book club read, plenty of topics to talk about it.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Donya Pedigo

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The stories John David Latta shares in this book are so heartwarming, incredibly honest, and powerful that they will definitely leave you thinking about your own life’s journey and how unconditional love might enhance it. I really enjoyed getting to see his life experience in his own words. His writing is so compelling and easy to read that it just draws you into each experience he goes through as if you were truly there with him. It’s awe-inspiring to see what one can go through in life while not letting it shake his unconditional love and faith. This book is definitely one to read for anyone, but especially for those who might need to see they aren’t the only ones that have or are experiencing bad things in life.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Betsy Melano

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical romance that had me hooked into reading the book to the end in no time! I’m sure this is the first time I’m reading a book written by this author. I enjoyed the way she wrote about the characters so that I could connect with them but specifically with Helen. Conway describing Helen as a ray of sunshine, something clicks for him to find ways to show Lady Helen that she needs to be open to finding love again struck close to home for me. I enjoyed this romance for the hope and the strength to carry on after a tragic event. Another good series & author to look for in the near future.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Huff puff Grind was a cute take on the 3 Little Pigs story. I read it to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed it. My son said he doesn’t trust that wolf! He leaned a lot of new words- architect, mortar, saplings, lurking… In this story, the 3 pigs are educated and build sturdy houses, that all withstand the wolf’s huffs and puffs. But, unlike the original, these pigs are smart, problem solvers. They came up with a plan so everyone wins! I loved the illustrations, they are colorful and creative; I love that even the font changes to incorporate into the story.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Shannen Kern

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and was glad to have picked it up as soon as I was drawn to it. I love reading all different genres, but something about memoirs deeply touches my heart. This is my first read by John David Latta but I hope to see much more from him.

The state of his life felt eerily similar so when he started opening up about loneliness, being a single parent, and still wanting some kind of connection, I had tears in my eyes. His way of writing is completely engaging. I felt like I was going on this journey with him and appreciated every moment of it. If you are looking for an emotionally raw, captivating, spiritual and inspiring story, this is the one for you. I highly recommend picking this up and reading his touching and eye-opening journey.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read Helpful Hudson to my 7 year old, and we both enjoyed it. Self care is a real thing, and it is often over looked. I think it is a wonderful message to teach early on. Hudson is so helpful and does so much for everyone else that is is exhausted at the end of the day. It wears him out and then he doesn’t feel like doing anything the next day. He learns he needs to take care of himself, in order to have the energy to take care of others. You can’t pour from an empty cup. The illustrations were cute and enjoyable.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaugh did it again! Brutal Days: Hidden Valley Elite book 3 kept me hooked from page one. It helps that I have read the prequel and the first two books in the series, but you could start here if you really wanted to. It’s worth it to grab the others first though!
Skylar hates sports and athletes without hesitation. She is dumbfounded when her best friend, Gia, falls for the biggest jerk in school, but will do anything to help her friend get the love she so desires.
Damon is NFL bound and elite to the core. He’s a dark, moody, and has a reputation that precedes him (good and bad). Every girl wants him, but he only wants exactly what he wants… and he’s used to getting it.
Isla Vaughn does a great job pulling the reader in and not letting go and Brutal Days is no exception! The characters are mostly privileged teenagers and she does a great job developing their personalities and attitudes. And with that cliffhanger? I need the next book now!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Troyer

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn blew it out of the ballpark again. Such a great book!

The love/hate relationship between Sky and Damon is intoxicating. I couldn’t put the book down. Such an easy read as well. Can’t get enough of Isla’s books. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series because this one leave you with a cliff hanger.

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Jules Herbert

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series! I have read the previous books so I knew little bits and pieces about Natalie and Anthony and I was really looking forward to more of them and their story. I was never disappointed for even a single second! I was hooked from the start but i always am with this talented authors writing and storylines. I can’t wait to go back to Buckeye Falls.
This fantastic book can absolutely be read as a standalone and fully enjoyed, I know you will love the characters and town as much as I do but I do highly recommend reading the whole series because it is simply that wonderful.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Alison Risher

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a phenomenal book! I picked this book because I enjoy reading about Native Americans. I learned so much about Apache culture. Sadly, I was also reminded of things that were quite unpleasant, such as how natives were treated by the government, the army, and even everyday people. The story flowed with authentic pace. Best of all, this book is the first of a series!

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Kristan Anderson

Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lap Baby by Amy Barker was an emotion read. This is the first story that I have read by this author. I admit it did take me a few chapters to really get into the story but I am happy that I stuck with it. The story itself was loosely based on a true story. Experiencing the story from each perspective was enjoyable. It was easy to follow and see how they were intertwined even so many years later. I enjoyed seeing how it had changed each of their lives and how they were handling it through the years. Unfortunately many of the ways of handling the experience were quite negative. Julie fought so hard for change after following orders and losing lives. The story really resonated with me as I have two young kids so I was able to empathize with each of the characters differently.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Lape

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG!! I am head over heels for this series! I have read each book in this series including the prequel and I can’t wait to finish each book! This author has a superpower when it comes to creating characters and just writing in general.
Sky just wants to make her best friend Gia’s senior year one to remember and help her check everything off her ridiculous list! Even if it means Sky will have to be the game piece when Gia sets her sights on Damon Savage. What Sky didn’t anticipate was that she would end up falling for Damon behind her best friend’s back.
In each book that I read by this author, she has me falling more and more in love with her work!

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Reviewed by @alape

Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Christine Baranek

Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Breathless Love
By: KG Fletcher

I cannot say enough about the Bennetts of Langston Falls series. I have loved each and every book so far and this is not an exception. Each book definitely functions as a standalone but I do recommend reading each and every one so that you can get to know this family so much better.
This book focuses on Hank Bennet. He loves their family and the small town of Langston Falls. However, he also has a love of music that is bigger than this small town can ever give him. Plus, his band has gone in a different direction (read: not being a band anymore). This finds him at his favorite musicians concert drinking away his sorrows. Enter Ella Mae. She is the beautiful t-shirt slinging merch girl who he is smitten with after they meet. Little does he know that she is also a songwriter who is the sister of that famous musician he just saw on stage. She offers him the opportunity of a life time.
Their immediate connection and dialogue had me hooked on them from the beginning. I wanted to see them succeed as a couple. Once Hank met Travis (that wonderful country singer) I definitely felt myself rooting for Hank and his dreams. I definitely wasn’t expecting this book to send me through all the emotions. And I felt each and every emotion when i was reading this. There were times where I was crying and smiling at the exact same time reading this. This book was filled with drama and hope and happily ever after. Hank and Ella Mae contained a chemistry that dreams are made of. I definitely cannot recommend this book enough!!

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Jennifer Ramos

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve been very drawn towards reading memoirs, whether the characters or authors connect within their experiences or thoughts with their readers. Prior to reading this book, I’ve never heard of this author nor was familiar with any of his previous work. I was completely engaged from his experiences and approach on living in the moment and existing in the moment. Heartache and tragedies may challenge us with society making us think we must continue living our lives through thick and thin. These stories have allowed us to feel the moment we are enduring and be ok with that. Time and time again, there are people out there that do not support properly or understand the challenges others face but reading this finally made me feel ok at where I currently stand. I am present in the moment, taking minute by minute.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a book where you want to keep turning the pages to read more. It is very inspiring and may get you to dive deeper in to love and life. Most of us can relate to the struggles John has. We can find courage through his courage.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this story with my 6 year old son. He was shocked but also pleasantly surprised by the new twist! He really enjoyed the ending. He’s all for how this ended! Another great twist on a classic by Lois W. We can’t get enough of her stories!

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Emmye Marihugh

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book. There is something to be said about chemistry from the start. I loved the way the storyline played out. Some of the action parts I had to read a couple times to get the full picture mentally but I read this book in one day. I simply could not put it down. I really really really hope Rose and Titans story continues!

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this story with my 6 year old. We both enjoyed reading it. My son liked how his daughter supported him and had such trust in her dad. Another great read from Lois Wickstrom. We have loved all of her books!

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Crystal Brehant

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really cute story with a great lesson. I read it with my 6 year old son. He is a lot like Hudson in this story. I hope he learned from him. We both enjoyed this story very much.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many young girls think their daddy hung the moon, but Colleen is convinced that her daddy holds up the sky. Colleen’s dad is a giant and most of the townspeople fear him and think that he’s made up this story about the sky. One day, Colleen decides to host a party and her dad let’s his hands down for awhile. Suddenly, everyone in town becomes concerned and changes their thoughts on how they feel about Colleen’s dad.

This is a very well written story by a favorite author of mine. The illustrations are super brilliant and vivid! The story and it’s “hidden” meaning are great to share with anyone of any age. This book should be on every library shelf, whether in an actual library, daycare, school, etc.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what to expect before reading this, but it was certainly worth the read. An inspiring story which must have taken a lot of courage to share with everyone.

I enjoyed how the book was set out, a chapter for each story, and the way it was written spoke to me. It inspired and encouraged self-reflection. It was what I needed to hear without realising it at the time.

Regardless of whether this is something you feel you need; I think this is well worth a read, it might just begin to open your eyes to your relationship with love.

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The Hussar’s Duty (The Winged Warrior Series Book 3) by Griffin Brady – Review by Kerry Baker

The Hussar's Duty (The Winged Warrior #3)The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series and is a great addition overall. This book can be read as a standalone but is one I would suggest is worth reading in order. This book is detailed and such an interesting one to read. I like how varied the story and the characters felt. The characters really brought this book to life. They added a dynamic to the book that made it even more enjoyable.
This author is a very new author to me but I am really enjoying their writing style. It has a good, easy to read tone to it and I always connect with the story being told. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I can wait to read more from this author.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Kerry Baker

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the sixth one in the series and is just as good and as endearing as the others. I seemed to connect with this book much more than the others, the characters and the story. I loved the connection between the characters. It seemed so natural and real.
The story the author has created is fun and lighthearted. It is the perfect feel for this kind of book. I easily engaged with this story and wanted to see how things would play out. I always really enjoy books by this author and this one is one of my favourites.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a great older child’s book about Taylor and her friend Jim and the trouble they find themselves in. They are not sure who to trust on top of that it is a race against time for them to be saved. This is an engaging story that any older child /young adult would enjoy reading. It takes you on an adventure that you don’t want to miss as well as reading it to find out how it ends. An engaging story with characters that are connectable and made the story easy to read. I enjoyed watching the growth of these characters throughout. This is an entertaining story that I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner