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Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Julie Johnson

UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun, contemporary read of a modern day fairytale romance between two totally opposite people. However, we all know the saying, opposites attract! When wealthy celebrity heiress Claire meets down-on-his-luck and on his last penny Nick, their worlds collide in ways that no one would ever see coming. Full of drama, a little smidge of humor, and some angst, this book is sure to keep you interested from word one until done!

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Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Julie Johnson

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

Another great read by this author!

I loved this contemporary romance novel, set in the Land Down Under! There is a lot of angst with a bit of mystery and some romance as well. This is a heartwarming story involving a teenager and her overly protective father, as well as a runaway. It’s sure to keep you engaged and I am already looking forward to another story by Jennifer Raines.

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To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Julie Johnson

To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter PilotTo Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun, intriguing read full of lots of twists and turns. Let’s not forget that there is a creepy elf that must be photographed daily too! The deeper into the story you get, the more intriguing and harder it is to put it down. There’s enough romance (a little steamy too!) and a lot of mystery to keep your eyes pealed into this read!

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

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: A fast-paced middle-grade story set in a ballet boarding school haunted by friendly ghosts (Amberwood Hall Ballet School)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: A fast-paced middle-grade story set in a ballet boarding school haunted by friendly ghosts by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I dove into book 4 of this series having not read any of the previous books. This book is geared more towards 8-12 year olds but most, if not all, age groups would enjoy this book. It took me a minute to get into the story and I think it’s because I did not have a back story going into it since I skipped the first three books. However, I found this to be an enjoyable read.

There are ghosts lurking around Amberwood Hall. Some are friendlier than others and it’s up to Lauren and her friends to figure out what’s causing things to go awry at different times. When the big production at the end of the year is cancelled, there is suspicion as to who might be behind the reason.

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

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

Dorothy has been a widow for just a few short years and she’s not looking to get married again. She and Scout have made a decent life for themselves on their little piece of land. When Dorothy gets a letter from her sister, she decides that maybe she can make some changes in her life. Along her journey, she meets a man named Elias and together they forge a way to Oregon on the wagon train. Can their relationship sustain the rocky hills or will there be an annulment in the future?

I love books like this! Historical reads are my favorite and add that it’s a clean read and it’s a win-win! This was a fairly short read as well. Made for an enjoyable end to an evening!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Julie Johnson

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I could read books like this everyday, I’d be in reading heaven!! I absolutely loved this book! First of all, it’s a clean mystery read. I’d let my young daughter read this without any qualms. Second, it’s witty and fun to read about Ivy and her new position at work. There is a budding romance that’s very sweet to see develop. I was a little disturbed that Ivy referred to him as Mr. Humphrey, although he is her boss and this is a very new relationship.

Overall, a very enjoyable read! I’m going to be reading more by this author and in this series.

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Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Julie Johnson

Children of the WildChildren of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Each of us are born with differing traits that set us apart from each other. Elbert starts noticing things changing for him when he turns 14 years old. While his siblings seem completely normal, Elbert starts to notice feathers and a burning in his chest. What is his destiny? What is he to become as a person?

An enjoyable read with some points of humor along the way!

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A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann – Review by Julie Johnson

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship #3)A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found myself wanting to know more of the story than this short novella provided, but at the same time, it was just the right amount of story.

Anne Eichner is alone again for yet another Christmas after her betrothed of 5 years decided to go Englisch. She starts receiving letters from someone who knows her but she is not given his identity. The letter says that after a year of corresponding, they will marry. This has Anne intrigued and she begins to write back to this stranger.

Andy Stoltzfus is a teacher looking to relocate back to the homeland and to be accepted back into the fold. He’s currently between different homes and building another for himself and his soon to be bride.

Anne finds herself falling for Andy while still receiving mystery letters. She’s soon going to have to make a decision that could end up hurting someone. Then her old beau comes groveling back to her. Whatever will she do?

I absolutely loved reading this story! It had been quite some time since I read a novel about the Amish and I’ve missed it! This made for a very enjoyable read on a quiet afternoon!

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Julie Johnson

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genie and her great-great aunt Adriana, who happens to be a ghost, are travelling to Italy. While there, they find themselves in the middle of a mystery that they would love to solve. There is an auction house that is holding onto some of Adriana’s belongings and they are about to auction them off to the highest bidder. Genie plans to purchase as many items as possible, as those items help Adriana to maintain her connection to the present world. When a fire takes place and the location is deemed a total loss, not everything is adding up. It’s up to Genie and Adriana to solve this mystery.

This was a fun read! I love Adriana, she’s a hoot with all her antics! She talks to animals too, and they make great witnesses! While this is the second book in a series, this could be read as a standalone.

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Julie Johnson

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

Jorja Knight is excited to be reunited with her bestie, Gabrielle, in Istanbul on vacation! The life of a Private Investigator never ends though, as Jorja isn’t really able to enjoy this trip. Upon arrival, her friend was to pick her up but she’s a no-show. After a couple of hours, Jorja makes her way to the hotel. Gab’s suitcase is there, but where is she? Then Jorja soon finds out another girl is missing. Is there a link?

This book is full of twists and turns! If you love a good mystery, this one will keep you entertained! I felt a little like I was visiting Istanbul while reading this book and it makes me want to go visit now!

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series Book 4) by C.R. Alam – Review by Julie Johnson

Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series, #4)Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a total fan of this series!! I love the writing style, the humor (and this one…well, just read it!), the suspense, the drama….it’s all in here! I think this is my favorite book of the series so far but they are all really good! The tension that Lina displays, although she’s trying to be professional, just lets you know that she’s a ticking time bomb of emotions. Curtis is a rockstar that just can’t hide his vibe. The Stilletto’s? They’re as ruthless as they sound.

Another enjoyable book in this great series!

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

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

Luna the husky is very unique. Unlike other huskies, Luna cannot howl at the moon when she wants to. Because of that, her husky siblings bully her and treat her poorly. They all get adopted quickly but Luna is left behind. She meets a cat who is also unique. Together, they treat each other with kindness and find a furever home!

I love the illustrations in this story! They are very vibrant and engaging. The story is also very well done. Share this one with youngsters of all ages!

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I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Julie Johnson

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super cute, multicultural book about a young boy repeating his affirmations. Books like this are so important to all people but I really like that this one is geared towards boys. It’s a very positive and uplifting book with colorful illustrations.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Julie Johnson

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet series that young readers can enjoy reading independently or having it read to them. Rusty’s grandpa gave him a brass ring awhile back that takes them on magical adventures when it is used while riding the carousel. This time, the carousel is the Christmas carousel in the mall as the one in the park is closed for the season. Rusty has his heart set on a specific gift for Grandpa but it’s a bit out of his price range. It’s during his carousel adventures that Rusty learns the best gift to give Grandpa.

This book does address elderly aging and Alzheimer’s. It would be a good way to introduce a young mind to this issue should it be something they should be exposed to.

This is the second book in a series and could be read as a standalone. However, you will miss out on a lot of adventures from the previous story, along with a much more detailed background.

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading about the Haunted Carousel coming in 2024!!

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Julie Johnson

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake has such an interesting background and he’s not afraid to go rogue when the situation arises. He and his trusty sidekick, Cody, are immersed in another drama that is threatening American lives. Together, they set out to get the people behind all this action and bring them to justice.

I absolutely love this series! This can be read as a standalone but don’t cheat yourself out of other fantastic adventures with Jake and Cody!

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Julie Johnson

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

Jake and Cody can’t even enjoy Key West in all it’s beauty without being roped into yet another murder investigation. This time it happens at a wedding!

I am loving this series and can’t wait to read more!! Cody is for sure my favorite to read about!!

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Deadly Weapon (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Julie Johnson

Deadly Weapon (Jake Wolfe, #5)Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake and Cody are inseparable and now they are facing a deadly virus that is threatening to wipe out humanity. All Jake wanted was to get some rest from recent events and take a relaxing fishing trip but here he is, finding himself in another intense situation.

Full of plot twists, drama, and action, this one is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. While it can be read as a stand alone, don’t cheat yourself out of the other amazing adventures of Jake and Cody.

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Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 3) by Mark Nolan – Review by Julie Johnson

Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe, #3)Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake loves a good ole game of cat and mouse. He and his dog Cody thrive on it. When Jake’s framed for the murder of a friend, it’s up to him to clear his name and put the real culprit behind bars.

If you’re a fan of plot twists, thrilling adventures, and have a soft spot for military war dogs, this book is for you!

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Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 2) by Mark Nolan – Review by Julie Johnson

Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe, #2)Vigilante Assassin by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets abound in this next installment of the Jake Wolfe series. Jake and his retired military war dog Cody are doing everything they can to protect Lauren and her children. Sifting through secrets and becoming a target himself, Jake vows to make sure that Lauren can gain some closure.

This book can be read as a standalone but I promise you, you’ll want to read them all!

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Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 1) by Mark Nolan – Review by Julie Johnson

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie (Jake Wolfe, #1)Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For the wealthy lawyers of the San Francisco area, beware! The Artist is coming after attorneys and Jake is going to do everything he can to save as many of them as possible. Can he do it without coming into harms way himself though?

What a great start to this series! I love that there is a military war dog involved in this series. I’m a bit of a pushover for these creatures! There is a lot of action, twists and turns, and some deceit thrown in to make this a very enjoyable read!

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Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Julie Johnson

Lottery of SecretsLottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are times when a book is so good that you struggle to leave a review without giving away spoilers. This is one of those times!

This is a very fast-paced read. There are so many great little nuggets in here with twists and turns everywhere! I’m hoping this is the start to a new series. Every book Nadija Mujagic writes continues to get better and better!!

Carve out enough time to read this in one setting because I promise you, you’ll need/want to!

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King-Review by Julie Johnson

Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Year four at the Grave Digger Academy is unlike any other for Makayla. There are more students than last year and there is a new headmistress. There are more new rules compared to last year. Some students were not invited back from previous years and it’s unclear why. The Crones are really honing in on Makayla and her movements. She ends up meeting some unexpected people who help her out along the way. Can she survive this year of school?

Another great read! This one was a bit shorter than the others but still covered a lot of ground. I’m looking forward to year 5!

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Julie Johnson

Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s the start of Makayla’s third year at the Grave Digger Academy. Things are a little different from last year and Makayla feels like she’s a target. First of all, where are all the students? What’s with all the new rules? Makayla knows there’s about to be an adventure and she’s not sure she’s ready to deal with it or the fall out.

I recommend reading this series in order as the background established in previous books is key to understanding what’s happening. Another great read by C.A. King! Now on to book 4!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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

A young man has a hankering for a breakfast of fried trout. What’s the best way to get it? Why, go to Lake Fish-or-Cut-Bait and fish for it yourself! Things got a little interesting for him when the winds picked up, and along with that, all the fish and frogs of the lake. The wind took the fish, frogs, and balls that it accumulated along the way into town until it could no longer hold everything. Then it started raining fish and frogs.

Super cute book about the science phenomena of a water spout. I love that this book was done in black and white (at least my copy was) with a colorful cover. The illustrations were very well done and made the story more entertaining. A great way to teach about this science feature, plus about the safety measures that should be taken should you be involved in or near a water spout.

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Julie Johnson

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes we need to be reminded of positive things to say or think about ourselves or others. While this is a children’s book, I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult.

This book would make a great teaching tool, not only to add more positivity into a child’s life, but also to teach them the alphabet, colors, different ethnicities, etc. There were several golden nuggets in this short read.

The illustrations are also extremely well done! The colors are vibrant, the pictures are relevant and engaging, as well as inclusive of different age groups and ethnicities.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Julie Johnson

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is pretty funny considering the deep underlying emotional issues that are addressed in this mystery. Loss, hoarding/collecting, and loneliness are the major themes.

A dead body is found by Birdie and it’s someone she knew and was close to. She decides she is going to solve this murder and her sister and dead husband will help her out.

This one is a great short read!

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

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Another great read by Susan Specht Oram! This one kept me very intrigued as the journal in question was discovered missing right from the start. It was up to Karina to figure out where the journal was and to save her inheritance.

A very riveting read that will have you guessing until the end! I love this author’s writing style and how she portrays the story. I highly recommend this read, as well as all of the author’s other works!

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Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler – Review by Julie Johnson

Christmas CoveChristmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Tis the season to read a great Christmas story. Actually, I enjoy them year round! This one gave off a bit of a Hallmark vibe, so anyone into those types of shows will enjoy this story. The book is always better than the show anyway!

America (love the name) finds a Christmas town that is severely lacking Christmas. She pairs up with the very attractive mayor, Leo, to bring Christmas spirit to this small town. The town might not be the only thing getting some added cheer and brightness though!

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Julie Johnson

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a cute, festive read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lizzie’s story. Poor girl has just lost her job, her room mate is moving out, and her parents think she’s a failure. Then, an opportunity to go to Australia comes up and Lizzie can’t resist! I don’t blame her for going and seeing sights and cheering herself up over some pretty bad circumstances. She takes it all in stride though and meets Jaz. This Christmas just might be the best ever!

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Julie Johnson

Almost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love RomanceAlmost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love Romance by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This packed a few punches, some of them very unexpected!! The journey of Adam and Hope is one filled with twists, turns, love, loss, hope, and forever. Some parts I could see coming, others hit out of left field. I enjoyed this read and felt a part of this story, as another neighbor next door.

This story isn’t for everyone. There is loss and it’s pretty traumatic. Please use discernment when picking this book up to read if you’re going through a hard time. It is worth the read when you’re ready though!

This was my first read by this author but I love her writing style and I’ll be looking for more of her work!

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