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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Heidi Sturgess

a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22731901-magic-scars” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Again , just loving the cover art !

To me , it feels like Ian is seen as the saviour of the Shinree but at what cost ? He’s been beaten , tortured and broken , his people are free but still enslaved and oppressed and , people from all across are hungry for freedom and they’re looking to Ian , hoping he’s the one that’ll lead them but he’s needing to heal himself ….

What is his connection with The Crown of Stones ?

A sequel can either be better than the first book or it can go the other way and disappoint you , this did neither, that’s not a bad thing though , it keeps your interest , it makes you wonder and question and there was a little more spice this time round 😉

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Jules Herbert

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wonderful author simply never disappoints and this new book is no exception! Rose is a wolf charged with the goal of finding the moonstone in order to save her people and Titan is the Prince who has no choice but to find a wife and continue his legacy even though he knows the terrible end it brings with it. They are both head strong and determined but simply can’t deny their connection. I feel like I can’t say too much without giving away key elements of the story so just let me say that you should grab a copy today and get reading!!

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Megan Conley

PROOF: People SafariPROOF: People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute and whimsical story from the perspective of Ranger Marco (a raccoon) and the Deer Family: Buck, Doe, and Fawn about humans and how they live. This story is super cute and I love the different perspective it offers so that the readers and listeners get a different idea of how humans live and how odd some of the things we do could seem to animals. I love the illustrations as well. Definitely read this to the littles! Makes for a great story time!

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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

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 isn’t b usually they sort of Book that I would go for, but something about this one caught my b eye. I love the fact that v it was s collection of stories, small glimpses into the authors journey. It was awe-inspiring reading about his discoveries and it felt like you made them right along with him. The boom was really well written. It slowly pulls you in and offers you wisdom and insight. Although I still don’t think this will ever be my go to sort of Book I was really glad I gave this one a try!

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Kerry Baker

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

I always enjoy this auhmthir so was excited to see a new book to try. And what a book it was. Rose and Tristan are an unexpected couple with undeniable chemistry. I was completely pulled in by them and their connection, which developed and became so much more as the book went on.
The story was really interesting. It was different to other wolf books and I have read, which I find unusual for this genre. I loved this book from the moment instarted reading. I would highly recommend it.

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

Twisted Bond is a paranormal romance story about a wolf named Rose and the prince of the Dutchmen coven, Titan. They are enemies who find themselves brought together because Titan is looking for a wife and Rose is looking to break the curse on her coven. Tristan needs a wife so that they can conceive a child to take on his father’s responsibilities. Rose intends to use this to her advantage to infiltrate the Dutchmen’s lands. What neither Tristan nor Rose anticipate is the undeniable attraction they feel towards one another which will have them questioning their future.

This was a well written paranormal romance story with an interesting storyline, superbly written scenes that immerse you in the story, and well written characters. Rose and Titan are both strong, determined, and hyper focused on what their future will look like. Neither are especially keen on the idea of love or marriage. Neither had the other factored into their future. Rose only wants to save her coven from the curse they are under and decides that marrying Tristan will be the ultimate sacrifice to do so. What she does not plan on is being attracted to the prince or his darkness. Tristan wants to save his father from the magic that is consuming and slowly killing him. To do so, he reluctantly agrees to marry but did not anticipate an actual attraction to Rose. The plans they both had seem to have gone slightly astray and it alters the course of the futures they had so carefully and meticulously planned out for themselves. As the two navigate through their feelings, their attraction, and the baggage they each carry they must decide if the future involves them being together. A great read with suspense, intrigue, passion, and romance.

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills) by B.E. Padgett

The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

B. E. Padgett’s The Guardian of Whispers, the first book in an enchanting series for middle-grade readers, offers a captivating and imaginative adventure that will remind you of the beloved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stories. Set around the Reed family, including Eugene, mischievous twins Jonathan and Franklin, Peter, Clara, their doctor father Harvey, law enforcement mother Cecelia, and their caretaker, great aunt Gladys, the book takes readers on a delightful journey.
The Reed family’s ordinary routine takes an exciting turn when Dr. Harrison arrives, displaying a keen interest in examining the twins. To their surprise, it is revealed that both boys possess extraordinary abilities inherited from their mother—Franklin has telepathy, while Jonathan has the gift of prophecy. As a result, the twins are enrolled in a specialized school designed to help them control and understand their unique powers.
Once at their new school, Jonathan and Franklin begin forming friendships, but Jonathan soon realizes that his gift is extremely rare among his peers, leaving him feeling isolated. Furthermore, he becomes suspicious of his assigned teacher. Jonathan’s protective nature towards his brother and his fiery temper often land him in trouble. Things take a sinister turn when a valuable artifact goes missing, and incriminating evidence is planted in Jonathan’s house, making him the prime suspect. Franklin and their friends Damien and Nate also find themselves under scrutiny. With only a few supporters believing in Jonathan’s innocence and constant surveillance weighing them down, the children must band together, with the help of Mr. McClery, to uncover the identity of the thief known as the Guardian of Whispers.
From the very beginning, The Guardian of Whispers captivates readers with its thrilling pace, limitless imagination, and sheer entertainment value. While it shares similarities with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, the story weaves its own unique innovations within this familiar framework, presenting a refreshing narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the very last page. The storytelling is superb, ensuring that every moment is enjoyable, making the book a truly delightful and satisfying read. Well-written and engaging, The Guardian of Whispers feature realistically portrayed characters and a plot that holds your interest from start to finish. It’s the perfect book to share with your child and embark on a thrilling adventure together.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Tanya Wall, May 2023

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

This is a GREAT children’s book about self care. We teach our littles to be helpful to others, but we forget to teach them to know how to take care themselves because if we don’t take care of ourself, we can’t help others! The illustrations and overal theme of this book is fantastic! LOVE!

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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 Synchronicity of Love is a memoir based on one man’s journey as he worked to transform himself and his life after a series of devastating blows and losses. After standing by his wife through her cancer journey the author finds himself alone and now a single dad. He is severely in debt and finds himself sinking deeper into despair as he struggles with the debt and fear of not being a good enough parent to his children. He is angry at his wife for leaving him and consumed with the crippling fear of death coming for him. The author feels bitter, sad, distraught, and overwhelmed at the circumstances that he finds himself in. To move forward he finds ways to cope and goes to a retreat that leads him on a journey of Unconditional Love that transforms his life.

This was a beautifully written, poignant, and thought-provoking memoir that many will be able to relate to and find inspiration from. Many of the stories are open, honest, and filled with raw emotions that will have you reaching for the Kleenex. Others are inspirational, encouraging and will have you looking at your life in a whole new perspective. Overall, this collection will pull on your heartstrings and reach into the very depths of your soul as you take the tumultuous journey with the author through his transformation. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the author for your courage and strength in sharing your journey and innermost thoughts and feelings with us.

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I did I really enjoy the characters. It kept my attention an was funny.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

Editor Kill Fee is Book Three in The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries series. It is a beautifully written cozy mystery about the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the president of the Sante Fe Wine and Crime Book Club. While on her way to the book club Anita Juarez somehow manages to take a wrong turn and for the life of her cannot figure out how it happened. Anita is now on the infamous forest road 63A which has been nicknamed Devil’s Road by the locals. To get back on track she tries to turn around but in doing so she gets stuck in the ditch. She climbs out of the vehicle and intends to walk back to town to get a tow truck but feels inexplicably drawn into the woods.

When Anita does not show up at the Wine and Crime Book Club meeting her friends become worried and honorary member Taylor Browning contacts Detective Sanchez of the local police department. Taylor Browning is no stranger to the police as she has been in the wrong place at the wrong time in the past and has spoken with Det. Sanchez so frequently that she has him listed in her contacts. As it turns out the area Anita disappeared from has been notorious for numerous disappearances over the years. Taylor is now determined to figure out where she went and to solve the mystery of Anita’s disappearance. This leads to Taylor going undercover as a delivery driver and discovering the disappearance of a local restaurateur. Things begin to surface, and the mysteries intensify but Taylor is determined to get to the bottom of who or what is doing this. Things heat up and someone seems unhappy with Taylor and her friend’s interference and snooping around. When their lives are at risk it is up to Detective Sanchez to solve who is behind everything and save them.

This was a great book with an interesting storyline that pulled me and from the first few pages I was hooked. I loved how the author immediately lends an air of mystery, suspense, and intrigue with the setting of Devils Road and Anita being drawn into the woods by a mysterious force. It gave me goosebumps and I could not wait to read what happened next. The characters are well rounded, lovable, and relatable. Taylor is one smart cookie who is ambitious and determined to get to the bottom of a mystery. I loved how she was relentless in getting to bottom of Anita’s disappearance and unravel the truth behind what was going on. A great book with mystery, drama, suspense, intrigue, and twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this story has Jacqueline with her mother trying to sell the cow for money for food. Meeting a stranger who gives her three beans to plant with her mother upset she was so careless, it isn’t until morning when things change and Jacqueline and her mother get the surprise of a lifetime.

This was a fun retelling. I liked the illustrations. I think children will enjoy this one quite a bit.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Monster for Meg” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681534608l/120498400._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg”>A Monster for Meg</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5575714644″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sue is trying to explain how monsters are to her sister Meg. Meg happens to be blind so she can’t see any monsters, so her sister Sue tries to explain monsters and Meg always comes back with a question or statement to Sue. This was an adorable story and explaining adaptations.
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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Bobbi Wagner

This is my first audiobook by this author which I look forward to seeing what is next for this author.  I enjoyed how the narrator used different tones to make the story engaging.  They had me coming back for more, just to see what would happen next.  It is a story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty.  There is an entertaining value to this story that makes it easy to listen to.  This is one of my favorite audiobooks.  I highly recommend this audio book

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 children’s book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a great older child’s book about Taylor and his 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 will have to find out how it ends. An engaging story with characters that are connectable and made the story easy to read. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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

This is my first children’s book by this author which I enjoyed reading. One of the things that I enjoyed about this story is the meaning behind it. Children will learn about social skills and how important it is to take care of yourself. This book has great colorful pictures that will help keep the child engaged throughout the story. It is one that they will ask you to read over and over again. This is a great book that any child would enjoy for sure. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her yet. I never hesitate to pick up this author’s books. I enjoy her writing style and attention to details that give the stories a realistic feel. This book is no different. This is a well written story that takes place in the 1920s. A story that has some suspense and romance combined. I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. An engaging story where the characters pull you into their world from the start. They are connectable and added so much to the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read. There is great growth of the plot throughout. There are twists and turns will have you coming back for more. I really enjoyed reading this story and one you should not miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Boys of Alpha BlockThe Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her. I found this book to be well written and engaging. A story about boys trying to break out of prison. But they neglect to think about the consequences of their actions. Is escape or freedom a dream for them? I enjoyed these characters and what they added to the story. They are connectable and made the story come to life. A fast paced, hard to put down story that has a lot going on. I enjoyed how the author did a great job of keeping things engaging which helped me from getting lost in the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read. You don’t want to miss what happens to these boys. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it

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Review by @bjwagner

Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I never hesitate to pick up her books. I enjoy her writing skills that are used to bring the story to life on each page. This book is no different. This is a well written romance paranormal story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world from the first world. They have great chemistry and an attraction that is undeniable. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. Rose has a plan but what she didn’t expect was to be attracted to the enemy.. What will fate have in store for Rose and Titan? This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to miss for sure. It is engaging where the characters will have you coming back for more. This is a great story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve not read fantasy in quite a while and I had a few reservations but I must admit I’m grateful I got the chance to read this , cover-art is just amazing 😉

The Shinree are a suppressed nation and “bred” as slaves and to serve and wait upon others ( this really saddens me )

Ian is a Shinree and cones from a family of warriors so it’s pretty much expected that he’s pulled into the ongoing war with the Langorians ….

Ian has a good heart but at times it felt like his goodness was being taken for granted and what’s a good story if there’s not a dash of romance 😍 all in all a magical welcome back into a world of fantasy 🍄

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read, my girls enjoyed it as well. The way Meg’s sister describes the monsters o her because she is visually impaired is unique and also informative.It’s well written and unique. Definitely going to read more from this author.

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can never decide which books by Lois Wickstrom are my favorite because every time I read a new one, I love it. This is an Alex the Inventor book and it’s one of my favorites. I love the science involved and how everything is explained in a way a child would understand and wonder. Lois Wickstrom has a way with teaching children the things that you don’t think about teaching them.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Shelly Kittell

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

This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.

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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis – Review by Tonya Merritt

Sleeping LoveSleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this remake of Sleeping Beauty, you’ll fall in love with the characters. Ayo and Yi are the perfect romantic couple. Is a kiss just a kiss or is it love? This story has action, adventure, friendships, and of course love. It takes a few chapters to get into the story and then you are hooked.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Mary Espinoza

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first read by the author and I can say…I wasn’t disappointed at all! I found this book to be a thrilling murder mystery mixed with quite a bit of movie and musical references, which just made the book that much better! Darcy finds herself in a unique situation as being a number one suspect to murder! Darcy just can’t fathom how this predicament came about, but the one thing that she knows is that she needs to find a way to prove her innocence. This was a fun small town mystery that had plenty of twists and turns! I enjoyed every second of reading this book. I found out that this book was part two of a series, but not once did I feel lost, the author did a great job of writing the backstory into this book. I will be going back to read the first book because this one was so good! I definitely recommend reading this one as it was definitely enjoyable!

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Mary Espinoza, May 2023

Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Shelly Kittell

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

Oh, what a tale of twisted love this is. Rose and Titan aren’t necessarily meant for each other but, dog gone, the sparks and chemistry pull them together like two magnets. MMMMM, the steam coming off those two. A tale with a little bit of a fairy tell retelling. It’s delightfully entertaining with characters that are quirky and twisted, cranky and odd. Rose and Titan have issues and baggage but can they work it out to break the curse? Not telling, you have to get the book and read it. This author does a fantastic job with writing a story that will pull you in, give you the giggles and make you sweat. Not to mention, look at that eye candy on the cover. This is a paranormal romance with a twist of suspense that will make you want to hide in the tower just to read it by your lonesome.

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Tonya Merritt

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

Such a very cute book! Helpful Hudson is so many of us in the world no matter the age anyone could learn from this book. You have to remember yourself when you constantly help others. Definitely recommending this to everyone I know.

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

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

This book has a lot going on. There is an overuse of detail but it doesn’t harm the story. This book reminded me so much of Missing 411 and kept me entranced to every word. It’s a quick paced book with tons of knowledge to be learned. A modern mystery on the shoulders of a young editor.

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

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

Every story digs deeper into your soul and reminds you how small you can be. John told the tales of his life and the way things happened to him perfectly. You’ll keep turning pages to find out what he is going through. The book teaches you to love more boldly and how well life lines up for that love. Great book to read, even more than once if you’d like.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney

Concert Hall Hit is a Cozy Mystery that will have you turning the pages while on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what happens next. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written . This is the perfect Cozy Mystery to curl up on the couch on a rainy day and get lost in the pages. The characters are developed, relatable and real and make the story come to life. I was so invested in Darcy and what was going on in this story that I had no idea of the time. What would you do if you were the last person to see someone alive? What if you were considered their number one suspect? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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