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Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series Book 6) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jonell Collins

Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 6)Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cynthia Hamilton does it again in Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series Book 6). How I love Madeline and Mike. The rapport they have between them is unique and endearing. The romance in these mysteries is always low key but it’s always there, and in excellent taste. Two mysteries in one in this excellent read. I must confess I had one of them about half figured out but couldn’t quite get there with the other one. A great mystery and well worth your time.

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Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jonell Collins

Caim (Antipodes #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just finished Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons. Another excellent read in this series. This series has become one of my all-time favorites. The world built by T.S. Simons is intriguing and the characters are rich and full of individuality. Sustainability has long been one of my pet projects, (I am an old hippie after all) and I live as close as I possibly can to that standard. Stewardship is high on my list. Of course, all the people in these novels are brilliant so its no wonder the book is full of introspection. As I neared the end of the story, I was a little perplexed by one issue that I felt the author did not resolve to my satisfaction. Then surprise, surprise she did. I am looking forward to the next book, I hope to see Ceri again. I am a little worried about her. You can’t lose with this read. This book could stand alone if you choose to read it that way, but you would be robbing yourself of a treasure. Read the first three in this series you will be so glad you did.

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Bittersweep by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Jonell Collins

BittersweepBittersweep by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bittersweep by Wareeze Woodson was an absolutely delightful book in every way. It was a very easy read, I loved the story, the mystery and intrigue, and the love story was perfect. The characters were marvelous, I think I would love to see Elizabeth, J.P. and Amy in other little mysteries. I would give this story more stars if I could for the simplest of reasons. Although the romantic tension between J.P. and Elizabeth is quite palpable the reader is not subjected to scenes of graphic lovemaking. You can feel the heat without having a picture drawn for you. Best romantic novel I have read in a good while.

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Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5)Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anytime I have an N.L. Holmes book to read I am a happy camper. Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) is one more excellent read in the series. I find that I am so in love with Lord Hani’s family. I never know what’s going to happen next. He and his family live in a dangerous time. Always on guard, always taking care around the royalty they live under. Amusingly enough I find many parallels between our culture and society today and Lord Hani’s. If you love a good mystery, this is your book. If you love history, ancient history, again this is the book for you. I tried very hard this time to take my time and savor this story. I did very well until I got to the last quarter of the book and I just lost all control. Ms. Holmes has a very descriptive writing style and I love to read it. It’s not just the story, it’s the way she strings the words together. A delight to read. My top author for the year so far.

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Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jonell Collins

Ouroboros (Antipodes #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons was another excellent read in the Antipodes series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. The ones I have read so far have all been from Cam’s viewpoint. It was a nice turn that this one has given Freyja a voice. Another great thing about this story is the parallels with current events in our own society. The only drawback for me in this book is the adult situations. I would have preferred less to none of them because this is a really great story and very well written. I really hate it when I have to skip sections of story.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Jonell Collins

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne was a delightful story. Easy to read, a very quick read but more than all of that it was just a sweet, good story. I have to say I loved this book from start to finish and it’s easily my favorite book so far this year. I developed an instant love for Lou, Gramps and Ma Poo and they wrapped themselves around me like a warm blanket. This is not what you would refer to as an action adventure but there is plenty of action and plenty adventure. My only disappointment was that it ended too soon. It reads like a new series, (I certainly hope so) because this is one little story that’s too good to be at an end.

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Jonell Collins

Key West DeadKey West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan is another excellent read. I really like these Jake Wolfe books. They are good whodunit novels, mystery, intrigue, plenty of action, and just the right amount of love. I have to say, in view of the way this story plays out, I’m really worried about that snake. One of the things I like best about Mark Nolan’s books is that not everything is made up. Even though some of it sounds science fictiony he always takes the time and trouble to tell you about his research on the things that he adds to the story. I really like that, I think you will too.

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I Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole – Review by Jonell Collins

I Will Bury YouI Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole

I Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole is quite the little surprise. An interesting little story, it sets up as an eerie whodunit. It doesn’t take long to really figure out what’s going on with Ann, but oh that ending. That ending was quite the surprise. I was not expecting it. A good quick read.

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I Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole – Review by Jonell Collins

I Will Bury YouI Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole

I Will Bury You by Brandy Nacole is quite the little surprise. An interesting little story, it sets up as an eerie whodunit. It doesn’t take long to really figure out what’s going on with Ann, but oh that ending. That ending was quite the surprise. I was not expecting it. A good quick read.

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne – Review by Jonell Collins

Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and GunningTapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne is not the type of book that you read with a distracted mind. There are so many fantastic things going on in this book, it’s a challenge to keep up. It’s a little different than most fantasy stories I’ve read, it’s quite intriguing. I have to say though my very favorite scene in the whole book was the fire ants. I’m looking forward to reading the next book because I’m really curious now, is Ransom going to find Erika intact. I love the way the book ended, such promise for adventure to come.

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The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight #4)The Sun at Twilight by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I would like to say that I took my time and relished the reading of The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes. Unfortunately I cannot say that. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I can’t help it, I love these books. They are so well written, the language is beautiful, the story is deep, and this one was especially  significant to me. I could so relate to  King Tudhaliya.Brought up to believe that integrity was important, that honesty was important, that justice was important. He became the man that he was brought up to be. It’s always a disappointment when you believe in those things and you find out the rest of the world doesn’t. With this book N.L Holmes has become my top author. I not only recommend that you read this book and her other books but I urge you to, you really don’t know what you’re missing.

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The World Beyond the Walls: epic dystopian eco-fantasy (Natural Forces Book 3) by Jean Gill – Review by Jonell Collins

The World Beyond the WallsThe World Beyond the Walls by Jean Gill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The World Beyond the Walls: epic dystopian eco-fantasy (Natural Forces Book 3) by Jean Gill – was an excellent third book to this series. I think there’s some wiggle room for another book. I will really hate it if this is the end. This is just a really good story however, it does give you something to contemplate and think about. What exactly is perfection? And is that something we would really want? What would the unintended consequences be? Interesting thoughts.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jonell Collins

The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good story.The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons is that. A terrific story. What could be better than surviving an apocalypse and living under a dome. It’s just a good second book in this series. Aside from that, I love how Cam is always reflecting on the then and now. His reflections on what is really important. The stark reality that now is what we have. Although this book is the second in this series it is a good stand-alone story. But reading the first book will enhance your experience with this book. A very enjoyable read.

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Price of a Rose: a Beauty and Beast tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jonell Collins

Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2)Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How I loved this story. I love fairy tales anyway and Price of a Rose: a Beauty and Beast tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2) by Byrd Nash is a wonderful retelling. That might stop some folks but all the stories we tell are just a retelling of a basic theme. All of them. This one is masterfully done. I love how the magic doesn’t override the humanity, that the story is not just about magic. It’s a perfect mix. I do love a good clean love story and this one certainly satisfied that appetite.

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A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 3) by Judy Moore – Review by Jonell Collins

A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries to Die For, #3)A Tennis Pro To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love these Cozy Mysteries. Always a good story, always a good mystery. In A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 3) by Judy Moore, I sure got fooled. I was absolutely certain I had it figured out. I was surprised. I love the gentle love story between Beck and Devon. This book was good clean fun.

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Jonell Collins

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great Psychological thriller. Killer Blonde by Allan Evans is just that kind of a book. Quite a little twist on the victims in this one. The story moves along fluidly and is an easy read. It was an enjoyable read. I especially like how Detective Cade Dawkins thinks and his constant reflection about how he enjoyed his work and the people he worked with. For such a dark subject it is balanced by the Detective’s positive attitude. This is a new author for me, but he will go on my list of read again writers. A good clean read.

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Vengeance (The Sundown Series Book 5) by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Jonell Collins

VengeanceVengeance by Courtney Konstantin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vengeance (The Sundown Series Book 5) by Courtney Konstantin is not just another zombie apocalypse tale. Yes, there are zombies. Yes, there has been apocalyptic events. The difference is its not just a continual onslaught of zombies in one scene after another. These are people living real lives amidst great adversity. It’s the every day dealing with people that are all different in their own unique ways, but all the same. You know, like life. Although this is a part of a series this story stands on its own. I love how Max finds out that even though you have the right idea and feel the need to follow through, its not always the best thing at the time. Its hard to know the difference sometimes. I am looking forward to reading the next one.

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Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jonell Collins

Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1)Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1) by Byrd Nash is a treasure. Yes, I am an adult and yes this is a story for preteens. But yes, yes, yes, I loved this story. I loved this story so much that I will be reading the next one. It is romantic and squeaky clean, so I am so happy to give this a five-star rating. One of the things I love about this book is that even though its written for a young audience it’s not without challenge. Its not dumbed down its written as if the author has respect for the book’s readers. And with all of that it’s just a wonderful story. Get this book, read it, let your children read it.

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Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley – Review by Jonell Collins

Matching MiriamMatching Miriam by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the ending credits Mya O’Malley says her book was long in the making but she thinks it was worth the wait. I find I must agree with her one hundred per cent. Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley is a five-star story any day. A great romance, squeaky clean just the way I love them. Heartwarming and hopeful. A tricky little who done it adds just the right flavor. I love her books and I will continue to look for more.

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Nite Fire: Flash Point (Volume 1) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jonell Collins

I love a good mystery and I especially love a good thriller. Nite Fire: Flash Point (Volume 1) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider was all that and more. Plenty of action and adventure, plenty of opportunity to try and figure out “who done it” and I really enjoyed Cassandra King’s reading. She gives life to each of the characters and makes the story pleasant to listen to. I’m looking forward to the next one in this series.

The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jonell Collins

THE GRACEFUL GHOST: A story for girls rich with authentic ballet school detail and sparkling with ghostly mischiefTHE GRACEFUL GHOST: A story for girls rich with authentic ballet school detail and sparkling with ghostly mischief by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon is a wonderful story for a Young person to read. Its about wanting something more than anything and finding out that sometimes there are more important things than what you want. Its about finding happiness in the happiness of others and turning loose of the things that hold you back. You find all of this wrapped up in a sweet little story about friendships and encouragement. If your looking for a great book for a book minded young girl who loves all things ballet, this one will do the trick, and you will enjoy it too.

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

The Singer and Her SongThe Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read many new authors this year. Above them all stands N. L. Holmes. She really is my newest favorite. I know when I pick her book up it will be a good read. They don’t always end the way I wish but isn’t that just like life. The Singer and Her Song delivers in the same way that all her books do. A world rich with the tapestry of everyday living, characters so real you feel you know them or at least someone like them. She doesn’t pull any punches with the raw emotion involved with the mundane affairs of everyday living or the inevitable crisis. Who hasn’t had a family or a family member that’s so dysfunctional it’s a poison to everyone around them? Even people that came unaware to the party. Once again this is a story set in an ancient land in an ancient time but with characters that reflect the same flaws that so many of us have in this time and place. The stage may change but the actors remain the same. Congratulations N. L. Holmes another excellent read.

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Finders Reapers: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jonell Collins

Finders Reapers (New Orleans Nocturnes, #4)Finders Reapers by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finders Reapers: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen, is another fine little paranormal Romance. Always a quick read full of humor and sass. Jasmine and Asher start out on a wrong foot, and it doesn’t help that neither one can just be honest with one another. Why do we do that? Communication can solve a boatload of problems. A little bit of mature audience only going on in this tale but not enough to overload the story.

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Jonell Collins

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a delightful story. Bake Believe by Cori Cooper is all that and more. Who knew that reading a recipe book could be such fun? Cat is a normal, I mean really normal, teenage girl. She is on the trail to solving a unique family mystery. Such fun and mayhem that occurs in that journey makes for miles of smiles of reading. I love the recipes written in everyday language because even that gave me giggles. And I can’t wait to give the pretzels a whirl. Can’t wait for the next one. This one is a winner for me.

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Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jonell Collins

Becoming HumanBecoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a book that shows just how disastrous our lack of communication is. So many things that Carter should have said, so many things that Kokab should have been upfront about. To be fair though how could she have known, a life with no freewill. Ags certainly could have been more forthcoming but then she was ruled by her bias. Three different people that so rightfully portray our world in a small window. No communication, no freewill, a load of bias…quite a recipe for disaster. I enjoyed this book.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Jonell Collins

AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a child of the sixties, a conservationist, and a true believer in sustainability. I loved Antipodes by T.S. Simons. I loved the story of love, loss and guilt, (normal life) built around a world of sustainability. Saving the human race, (and we don’t know the end of that story yet), is an added bonus. The characters are all interesting and well defined. I loved the descriptions of the world that was left. In our year of Covid Fear this makes for a very timely story.

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Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease – Review by Jonell Collins

Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker, #2)Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease is just a cute little novel that gives your brain a breath of fresh air after you’ve been reading all them psycho mysteries. A sweet (literally) little Christmas mystery. Although our heroine doesn’t actually solve the mystery it’s more an accidental revealing. I love the running commentary about the cookies in the bakery and I love all the characters in this novel and I especially love the recipe at the end, a unique little addition. This book gives you more than just a good story I’m looking forward to more of these little books.

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Eye of Death (Vampire State Book 3) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Jonell Collins

Eye of Death (Vampire State, #3)Eye of Death by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really liking these vampire state novels. A unique little twist on vampire tales. In Eye of Death (Vampire State Book 3) by Alexander Charalambides Rowena is still working towards rights for humans. It seems she gets a big break through Prince Antet, royalty from a neighboring kingdom. I have to say in book two, City Without a Sun, I had a sneaking suspicion about the prince. I can’t make up my mind if I am pleased or disappointed in the way that turned out. (Can’t tell you that, gives away too much of the story). If you are a lover of vampire stories and like to see a unique twist on them, I think this book will fit the bill. I’m looking forward to the next one.

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Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jonell Collins

Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire (New Orleans Nocturnes, #3.5)Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These nocturnes novels always make me laugh. They are lighthearted, romantic, witty and funny. Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen did not disappoint. Sometimes I laugh out loud. Jane is so real, and the dialogue is so normal. I love the New Orleans landscape and the return of favorite characters. When I need a quick positive jolt Ms. Pulkinen’s supernatural Pulkinen neighborhood does it for me. Be aware there is a little hot and steamy adult “stuff” going on but not enough to distract from this merry little tale. If you need to end your evening on a smile this one will do it for you.

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The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane – Review by Jonell Collins

The Last Playlist: A Sonic EpitaphThe Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about The Last Playlist: A Sonic Epitaph by P.A. Kane? There is so much boiling around in me right now. First and foremost, I loved it. I’m about five years older than Mr. Kane and I am a child of the sixties. So much of the music he uses flowed through my head. I was right back there, in that time, I could feel the sun on my face, smell the newly mown grass, and hear the children playing in the background. That’s the magic of music, it defines us in ways we cannot express, although Mr. Kane does an excellent job in this novel. I have to say, and you whoever you are can have your own opinion, Mr. Kane is a liberal and I am a conservative. What struck me most about this novel is how much alike we actually are. We recognize the same problems, we want solutions, we want justice for all, and we want freedom for all. But in this chaotic, super overcharged political climate we can’t listen to each other long enough to see how very similar we are. Our methods and theories on solving the problems are shaped by our life experiences. Mr. Kane doesn’t offer solutions in this book; he expresses what is in his heart and how his life experiences have shaped him. Oh, how I wish we could all just listen to each other and actually hear what is being said. Excellent job Mr. Kane, I wish I could give you more than five stars.

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