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Ember’s Secret (Solstice Quartet Book 1) by Catherine Peace – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Ember's Secret (Solstice Quartet #1)Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! The complexity of the characters was fabulous and the relationships between them were so realistic. All the food as well sounded amazing and I really wished I could taste it! The conflicts in each of their lives were so relatable and I definitely felt for Austin in his worry for his mom while his father was so sick. But Ember’s struggle with the trauma of her past makes me sad, although I truly adore her way of connecting to and keeping her past alive through using what she learned from her mom about cooking to keep her restaurant alive.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book! I generally don’t read books like this, but I was drawn to it. I am dating someone who is pagan and the title drew me in. I was hoping for more information and was not disappointed. It kept me interested and answered questions, while showing different ways to see magic in everyday life. I have always believed that there is magic in the world and reading this book reinforced that fact.

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was really cute! My favorite thing to look for when I read something is relationships between characters. This author wrote them so well! There was individual growth and just seeing the relationship itself build was what kept me reading! The shared history followed by such different journeys to that point in their lives was just so relatable! Everyone gets to adulthood and stability in different paths, and that was illustrated beautifully in the story. I adore the way the author writes and am excited to see what else they have!

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The world that the author built is astonishing! I was drawn in with every word and didn’t want to stop reading. The characters were written with such clarity and truly amazing descriptions. I only wish I could meet the characters and understand their thinking and why they are the way they are! The growth through the story was so well done and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just as amazing as the first one! Lauren’s continued growth and her attitude and sass just kept me, and all the other characters, on our toes. Seeing the development in the relationship between Lauren and Sam from the animosity in Silent Gavel to the flirtationship and friendship they build is so real. I adore the relationship between Lauren and Kate, familial relationships like that are amazing because everyone needs that person they can look up to. This author is phenomenal with the relationships she builds between her characters and I look forward to reading more about Crawford, and Lauren especially.

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! The author does an amazing job of world-building! The characters are so relatable and watching the growth throughout the story, especially in the midst of the conflict was excellent! Lauren is so strong and intelligent and her wit and sass kept me engrossed in every little bit of the story. Her thoughts on coworkers and other characters in the story were so realistic, because everybody works with those people who don’t pull their weight. Watching her try and figure out what happened was amazing seeing how she worked it through in her head.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book drew me in from word one! I was captivated by the stories of the different characters, and couldn’t stop reading because I really wanted to know what came next. The world is so original and I can’t say I wanted to be there because it’s scary, but I wanted to know why everything was happening and understand what was going on in the world. I just really didn’t want to stop reading and can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Check In (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 2) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Check InCheck In by Debra Parmley

This book was so sweet! The characters were so relatable, and I loved watching the relationships build. Leann’s growth was amazing to watch! Seeing the very real responses to the conflict was just amazing to read. Honestly though, the story just gave me warm fuzzies seeing the relationships and growth happening!

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! I always enjoy reading teen and young adult books just as a way to destress and because I’m a sucker for a fantasy story. I adored the way the point of view alternated back and forth, and the connections between the two main characters that were multi-level. The way the characters were so unique made me just need to know how they were going to succeed at their goal! I really can’t wait to see what comes next! Also, Zoe’s tattoos and the differences between her and Nix in the way they grew up are really present and still beautiful. It makes so much sense in the way they approach each other and the world in general.

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The Guardian’s Legacy (The Coin of Time series Book 1) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The Guardian's Legacy (Coin of Time, #1)The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so engrossing! I didn’t want to put it down! I adore the relationship between Nik and his Papou, and found it so relatable with their shared love of history, especially the history of the coin, and how they used it as a way to spend time together. The history shared in the story was fascinating and I was as captivated by it as Nik was as Papou shared. I also really love the bits and pieces the book shows of Nik’s relationships with his students. We’ve all had teachers like him, and a high school history teacher that the students clearly respect is so refreshing to see because it’s a true respect shown like it would be in real life. Nik’s trip and the people he met along the way are just another part of this book that made me not want to put it down! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing!! First of all, the main character is a strong-willed, intelligent woman, and those are always my favorite characters to read. Secondly, it’s well written and kept me engaged throughout the entire story. Thirdly, the interactions between all the characters in the midst of the conflict were so realistic. I really enjoyed seeing different themes touched on throughout the story that are happening in the real world too, in a way that made sense for the story.

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Stranded (Cetacea Chronicles Book 1) by Feather Chelle – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was adorable! I read it thinking it would just be fun, and was pleasantly surprised that I couldn’t put it down, ultimately reading it in one sitting. The characters were masterfully created and made me wish I could be like them. This book brought me back to reading the Animorphs series as a kid and I loved the nostalgia it induced while still being something new. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds! I also really enjoyed the fact that I was able to learn something new, because I live by the motto of, “you learn something new every day,” and this book made that easy for me.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was intriguing! I was excited to read it after the first one and it definitely didn’t disappoint! The execution of the relationships was relatable and the setting was gorgeously described. I wished I could be there and know everyone. Ciaran and Caitlin’s relationship was relatable and their separate inner turmoils were so understandable. Matthews writes an excellent story and I didn’t want to put it down!

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy mother of goodness this book was AMAZING. I read it in only a few hours, unable to stop for anything because I needed to know more of Princess Rowan. She makes me think of Merida from Brave and honestly, Merida is one of my all time favorite princesses. Prince Theo is the man every headstrong princess wants to find and their relationship and the way it develops is beautiful! I legitimately cannot wait until I can find out what comes next in this captivating and breathtaking world with the people that I wish I knew.

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Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adored this book! I really wanted to meet everyone! Meeka was adorable and I wanted to be her friend. I wanted to have the opportunity to walk around the town and meet all the people, and try the cookies! Tripp made me smile and Morgan intrigued me. The conflict was relatable and I really just generally wanted to find answers for her. I really just wanted to know everybody and be a part of Whispering Pines.

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Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire – Review by

SPOOKED BY A SUSPICION by Risa Nyman – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Spooked by a SuspicionSpooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was great! Reading it, I was thinking about elementary and middle schoolers reading it. The conflict was super relatable for that age. The friendships that were shown, and the familial relationships showed were realistic. Rocky’s imagination and his adversity to change is very much like any kid at thirteen whose world feels like it’s imploding. It was a fun read and I would definitely recommend it, and have recommended it to kiddos I’ve talked to through work.

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Another Yesterday (Seashells and Second Chances Collection Book 2) by Angela Christina Archer – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Another YesterdayAnother Yesterday by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was the perfect mix of family love and self love. The growth of the characters, even through both storylines was so amazing to read. It made me need to know how their story was going to end. I love the happy ending and read the entire book in like 4 hours, because I just didn’t want to stop. I needed to see the resolution to this chapter of their story and be able to know that in the next chapter, she has good things in her life to lean on.

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Written in the Stars (Mothers and Daughters Collection) by Angela Christina Archer – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Written in the StarsWritten in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! I honestly just adore the way Archer tells the stories. She makes these people real to me. By the end of her books I am invested in the way the characters end up, and how their conflict is resolved. The genuine love in the relationships she writes about make me happy and show me all of the authenticity of the love of a family whether it’s by blood or not. I honestly can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

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Effacement by Hieronymus Hawkes – Review by Jo Frizzell

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EffacementEffacement by Hieronymus Hawkes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book reeled me in from word one. The main characters and their relationships were realistic. Cole’s conflict within himself as well as his personal honor system were so relatable. The idea of the extent to which society could be altered due to technology was frightening but also realistic. The only thing that has ever freaked me out like the idea of technology taking over the world more than it already has is reavers from Joss Whedon’s Firefly. It is just too realistic and I was captivated, needing to know what happened next.

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BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Boy ReleasedBoy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fabulous! Revisiting these characters after ten years of their normal lives was inspired. Their relationships are so genuine and it’s clear that each relationship matters to each of them. Hen, on the cusp of adulthood, facing such challenging struggles and still rising to meet them is an inspiration to everyone. Family is so central in this book, and it’s just so gritty but also intimate in a way that captures reality at its most difficult.

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good! I was so excited to read this after having read the first one! It definitely did not disappoint! The creativity and world building were just as captivating as the first book! The growth of the characters was realistic without losing the complexity that endeared them to me in the first place. The artifacts and the journeys to find them were so original and I wanted to go with them to see everything!

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Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Boy on HoldBoy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good! The characters made me wish I knew them and could be there for them while they were struggling. The conflict was so relatable and really made me think. The author has this way of writing that just really draws you in and makes you want to keep going. I was reluctant to put it down and stayed up later than I should have more than once because I just didn’t want to stop!

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The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The Third NannyThe Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my lanta this book! When I started reading this book, I felt for Janey. As the story really got going, I wanted her to find answers as much as she did and had so many questions for what was happening. I was a little leery of some of the actions she was taking and some of them just made me question her character. I just needed to know everything that was going on and couldn’t stop reading. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. The ending blew my mind and I very much was not expecting it! Definitely an excellent read and would absolutely recommend it!

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is intense! I was completely ensnared from the time I started reading until I finished it. The way she told the story kept me completely fixated on what was coming next. She made me feel for Lillian and Allison both. They were different from each other and yet able to build a relationship through their similarities and even more through their differences. The other characters were memorable too, and made it easy to remember who they were and how they were a part of the story. There was this theme of self-love and survival and I loved how they were able to move forward in the way they chose and move past the hell they had lived through.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was exceptional. It was extremely well-written in such a way as to capture the reader’s attention. The complexity of the characters and the world he built was astonishing. The way he interwove the worlds and characters and tied everything together kept me invested in wanting to know what was coming next. There were also so many intense ideas that just made me think and I kept wanting to save them so that I didn’t forget them. My favorite is probably the simplicity of “We are all one.” It makes me think of the world today and the way I believe we should interact with each other because we are all one species. We are all human, and part of one world. That may not have been the case in the book, but in this world, it is and that’s so important and just really resonated with me.

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Book 1) by Misty Hayes – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Shield & ShadeShield & Shade by Misty Hayes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was captivating. When I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. The world building and characters were fantastic! It kept me guessing and wondering what was coming next. It was fantastic and I was on the edge of my seat while I was reading.

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was fabulous. The backstory for the main character was heartbreaking and made me hurt for her. The way she wrote the secondary characters made me feel like I knew them all, and made me want to be a part of their life. The suspense and romance were seamlessly intertwined and really showed their relationship as so authentic. She did such an amazing job with all the characters, but especially with the internal conflict of the main character. She had so much going on in her mind and was so independent, but knew she needed help and was okay asking for it from someone she knew she could trust. Their relationship was so sweet but so realistic and they’re the type of couple that would be relentlessly teased (good-naturedly) about how cute they are.

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Mariekkela: From Finland, with Love by Stuart Ledwith PhD – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Mariekkela: From Finland, with LoveMariekkela: From Finland, with Love by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was phenomenal. It was beautifully written, and I didn’t want to stop reading once I’d started! The characterization was so genuine and complex. I also truly adore strong female characters, so the fact that this story was chalk-full of them made me really happy. Watching the growth in the characters in the midst of all of the pain they go through was really inspiring. These are the people that I would want to have as real role models and people I could look up to, and adore the fact that they all influence each other positively on a regular basis. The relationships between the three girls especially is so special because having gone through a trauma together bonds people and that was an excellent illustration of that.

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Blue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Blue Summer Part TwoBlue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I basically jumped right from the first book into reading this one because I just had to know what happened. This was an excellent read! The Zayed community was fun to imagine and the pictures in my head gave me small town vibes, and made me wish I could meet all of them. The relationships highlighted the differences in each of them in a way that in real life, they would be teased by their friends for being too cute, and gave some diversity in the relationship as well as inclusivity in the type of relationship. The diversity between the friends was also very prevalent and was awesome to see, because it’s relatable in that most of the time, we don’t become friends with people just like us. If everyone were the same, life would be boring. Also, seeing the evil sorcerer and the way they all plotted to keep him from winning was definitely fun and kept me engrossed throughout the entire story.

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The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was extremely original! Caitlin, the main character, is an archaeologist which is really cool because she is an obviously intelligent woman, who very clearly knows her craft. All of the characters were relatable, even the relationships with the characters that were not a huge part of the story, like Preston whose purpose was seemingly to annoy everyone, was a relatable character because everybody knows people like that. Caitlin’s intrigue over the mysterious Celt is also relatable, because everyone finds something that they just want to understand. Ciaran’s backstory is heartbreaking, immediately drew me in, and I didn’t want to stop reading. She built a world that captivated me and I wanted to be a part of.

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