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The Uncrowned King by Ayla Marie – review by kat Mellon

The Uncrowned King (The Blood Prince, #2)The Uncrowned King by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Uncrowned King was SOO INCREDIBLE! I finished the Blood Prince and immediately dove into the Uncrowned King, and it only got better. I could not stop reading. The world building is just as great in the 2nd as the first, the characters are just as loveable or hateable. The hateable ones? Yeah. REALLY hate them. So much passion and emotion in this book, I was literally in tears at the end. I cannot wait for the next one! Great job by Ayla Marie! Will definitely be on the lookout for more from her!

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The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – review by kat Mellon

The Blood PrinceThe Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED the Blood Prince by Ayla Marie! The majority of the book is from Leo’s POV as he struggles to keep his family safe in a world where none of them are wanted or allowed to be. The very first chapter hooks you in and is a page turner. The world building is great and the characters pull you in. I dove into the second book literally as soon as I finished the first. Cannot wait for the next! 10/10, would definitely recommend and will be reading it again!

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Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom – review by kat Mellon

Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nessie and the Living Stone was a really cute read. I read it to my girls before bed time and they really enjoyed it! My oldest is having a hard time with sharing and being selfish and was really able to spot that in Craig since we’ve been working with her on it. All three girls were able to see difference in attitudes between Craig and Linda in how nice he was towards her at the end. A fun story and good way for kiddos to learn these lessons!

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Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram – review by kat Mellon

Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram was really a great read. It was my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The world building was really awesome and I loved the character development. I’ve read a lot of fae-universe books and I really loved the unique twist this one had and the mystery surrounding the two main characters. I did feel a couple times that there could have been a little more information given to the readers, like about the games in general, but I also feel like not having the info did not detract from the overall read and storyline. Would definitely recommend this book and will read more by Abram!

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada – review by kat Mellon

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My girls and I really enjoyed this book! The rhyme of the words makes it almost hypnotic for my toddlers and they loved learning how they can play with puppies safely and how the puppies can have more fun. It’s a really good read for adults as well, who are wanting to get their dogs thriving and trying new things.

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The Befallen by Cambria Williams

The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Befallen by Cambria Williams was great! Not what I expected and I really enjoyed it. No spoilers, but I did love how the romance was not the typical kind you get in books. Great character development and world building, main character growth throughout, and very hard book to put down. Absolutely would recommend if you’re looking for something different and don’t want to get caught up in a series.

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Renewed by Sara Vinduska – Review by Kat Mellon

Renewed (Fateful Justice Book 6)Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this is the 6th book in the series, it is completely stand alone. This is the first book by Sara Vinduska that I’ve read and will absolutely read more! Renewed was a lighthearted and easy to read romance, with plenty of steamy scenes. The danger and intrigue element made the book hard to put down. The characters were wonderfully written and looking forward to more.

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A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship #3)A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed A Christmas Amish Courtship! It is the 3rd book in the series, but did great as a stand alone. I had not read the previous two and had no issues with following the story line, but neither did the story get bogged down with details from the previous two. The characters were wonderful and I really liked learning more about the Amish culture while reading. Without giving any spoilers, I like that the author didn’t drag out the miscommunications. It seems that can happen a lot with other authors and it was refreshing to not have it happen here. Great read and will definitely catch up on the others.

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Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kat Mellon

Carrie's FlightCarrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom was such a cute book! My girls loved it and thought it was so amazing that Carrie was able to fly. They were hooked the whole time. I also loved the information that Wickstrom gave on the starlings at the end of the story. Overall, very easy to read, really a cute and fun story your children will love.

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Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates – Review by Kat Mellon

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down! I was completely hooked throughout and really enjoyed the entire read. The intrigue was awesome, world building and characters had enough detail so that I could really picture everything but never bogged the story down. It is a romance, nothing steamy, but the main character is her own woman and while she does need her bf and depends on him, it’s not from a weak perspective. Strong female lead that you can see come into her own even more throughout the story line. Well worth the read!

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Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Kat Mellon

Themes of KismetThemes of Kismet by A. Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance: I had a hard time getting through this one. Not the from the regard of it being a mushy romance; it’s a meet cute. It’s in the title. Expected that. The book feels like a first attempt for the author. I had to back read quite a few times to try and figure out what was being said due to sentence structure, but also to figure out who new characters were and how they played into the book. Not enough introducing of one particular character left me wondering just WHO he was everytime he was mentioned, and HOW he had the sort of power it seemed he had. It was a struggle to finish. It was a cute idea for the book, just a little lacking in execution.

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder

Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Woman Unbroken: A Novel by Alexandra Fleder was such a good read! It was my first time reading anything by this author and would definitely do so again.
This book follows the story of Devorah, who had what seemed like an envious upbringing on the surface; however, recent tragic events causes her to reevaluate much of her life. I love that the main character is allowed to “wallow” in some borderline depression filled days. The story did not bog down, it wasn’t depressing to read, but it was incredibly realistic to see a character that had gone through so much be allowed to have a real world response. Being able to hide away, forget the world and just rest and recoup as much as possible. In the end, Devorah does find her will again and the rest of the story follows her path and she grows stronger and into her own person. A happy ever after that isn’t dependent on someone else!

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Murky Murder by Hazel Smith – Review by Kat Mellon

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

Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) was such a fun book! Seems odd to say that about a murder mystery, but it really was. Despite the title, the book was still rather lighthearted and fun to read. I loved the quirky group of women that work at the Hotel Lafontaine and the budding romance between Ivy and Mr. Humphrey. It is rather slow in the beginning but picks up speed and maintains throughout. I recommend and would read more by this author.

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Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Kat Mellon

Rise of the YRise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rise of the Y: A YA Post Apocalyptic Dystopian was awesome! Shelton does a great job world building and describing the situation of Lexi and Reeves, and those around them. The book is kind of like Hunger Games meets Divergent, but also unique in itself at the same time. The characters emotions are conveyed perfectly and there were a few small twists that I was not expecting. Overall really enjoyed it and definitely recommend!

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Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke – Review by Kat Mellon

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

Ghost Takes a Vacation is such a cute and fun book! It’s actually the 2nd book in a series and I didn’t realize that when I got it. But, it reads as a stand alone and gives enough backstory without bogging things down. I really loved the characters and the second hand embarassment from Genie getting caught conversing with a ghost in public was definitely real! A Very unique book, great world building and some intense moments. The characters were relatable and lovable, and I am now going to read the 1st one since I missed it! Absolutely recommend.

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Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden – Review by Kat Mellon

Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Joy’s Christmas Escape by P. Creeden, is the first of a series that will be stand alone reads. I thought that the main characters were relatable and easy to understand. It was frustrating that Joy was not able to stand up for herself in the beginning. This is a very faith based read, but not over done. The main characters wholly trust in and rely on God throughout the story. Overall, it’s a very lovely read and comforting, even throughout the drama.

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The Christmas Carousel, by K. L. Small – Review by Kat Mellon

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

The Christmas Carousel by K. L. Small is the 2nd book in the Brass Ring Series. I was completely captivated by the first book and the 2nd book held the same magic for me! Such a great book for children. Though the carousel from the first book is closed for the season, the magic doesn’t stop. A Christmas carousel takes up residence temporarily in the mall, providing new adventures and the true meaning of Christmas. Absolutely amazing, especially for slightly older children who are learning what Christmas really is about. Definitely recommend!

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The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small – Review by Kat Mellon

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok so I absolutely LOVED this book! I was planning on just reading it to my kids as they fall asleep, but found myself reading long after they had started sleeping. My girls loved it (3 and 4) but I am also going to give it to my 12 year old to read and I think he would really enjoy it too.
The world building is incredible and so vivid. The storyline is so unique and the characters are wonderful. K. L. Small really brings the main characters to life and I just wanted to rescue poor Rus. No spoilers, but I felt so sorry for him and was so frustrated that the adults in his life didn’t seem to notice he was struggling. Happy endings for all, but does illustrate some real life struggles in a way that is easy to understand and empathize with.
Recommend this book for readers of all ages!

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Heart’s Escape by Meredith Hart – Review by Kat Mellon

Heart's Escape (Fallen Hearts)Heart’s Escape by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! Heart’s Escape is definitely worth a read if you love ACOTAR. I love how the author has given the fae world a completely unique perspective. I really could not put the book down. The world building was incredible, the characters were lovable or hatable, depending on who they were! Read this- you won’t regret it!

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson

The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love period pieces so I was looking forward to this one! It is also my first book by Wareeze Woodson, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The world building is really good, the characters are relatable and I do love how the main character, Vanessa, has so much more sass than most authors give ladies of the time! I really could feel her frustrations and could not imagine living in such a time. Without giving too much away, the author does an amazing job of making you feel empathy for the lovable characters, while also intense annoyance bordering loathing for the “villains”! It moved fast throughout and i was captivated the entire time. Some twists that I definitely did not see coming and wrapped up in a believable ending. Very good read!

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My girls and I loved this Porter and Midge book! My toddlers are 4 and 3 and absolutely LOVE animals, but are still learning how to respect their spaces and how to approach strange dogs. We’ve been working with them, and this book was a great visual reminder for them. Some of it was a little above their ages, but overall was still important information for them to learn in a fun way.

Would definitely recommend if you have pets or if your littles have a love for animals and just not quite sure how to show it in a gentle way!

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Liar, Liar by Winter Austin – Review by Kat Mellon

Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series: #4)Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liar, Liar: The McIntire County Series: #4 by Winter Austin- this was an amazing book! It’s the 4th in a series but can also stand alone. Gives enough back story on the characters that you know them, but not so much that it bogs the storyline down if you’ve read the previous books.

This one focuses on the towns sheriff, Shane, and a yet another murder mystery that happens in his small town. The characters are believable and realistic. Great world building, and I love how the author can convey and help you feel the characters frustrations and emotions while reading.

Would recommend starting from the beginning, but if you didn’t it’s still a good read!

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kat Mellon

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N. L. Holmes was such a good read! It takes place in ancient Egypt and I absolutely love all the detail given in the book. The history loving side of me really enjoyed it! I also really liked how at the end of most chapters there was an author’s note explaining the historical accuracy/importance or realty of the times for that situation.

The world building was amazing, characters were super easy to love and/or hate depending on who they were! Intrigue start right away and keeps you guessing throughout. Great book.

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Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Kat Mellon

Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wild Lavender: A Fated Love Fantasy Romance WOW!! I absolutely loved it! Great world building, intense characters and a villain that you can 100% truly loathe. It’s the first in the series and I cannot wait until the next one, but also really enjoy that this didn’t leave you on a super intense cliff hanger. Great love story.

TW for those who are SA survivors or sensitive

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kat Mellon

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember was such a great an easy read to fall into! My last book was super deep and dark and this was exactly what I needed. I was not aware that it was a series, but the author did a wonderful job introducing all the characters in such a way that I was able to keep up but I feel would not have been redundant to those who did not jump right into the middle. A definite page turner, I was captivated all the way from cover to cover. Would definitely recommend!

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Sins of the Father by Winter Austin – Review by Kat Mellon

Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sins of the Father: The McIntire County Series: #3 WHOA! Loved this book! I was hooked from the first book and was so excited to see how the author was going to keep the series going. The world building is great and I love how it continues to build on the previous books, but yet i don’t think you really need to read them to be able to follow along, which is great if you’re jumping into the series with this book. Onto book 4!!

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Mr Barsin’s Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom

Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium was such a great book! I read it out loud to my girls before bed and they loved it. The imagination is wild and the storyline is incredibly captivating! The stories of 3 different children intertwine in amazing ways and combine to one overarching storyline. Would def recommend!

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy is DEFINITELY a crash course on physics! I am absolutely not a science person and this book was way out of my normal genre. I wanted to try something different and so glad I did! I learned so much in this book. But the way the author explained everything was really clear and easy to understand! I was a little worried this would be boring and hard to follow but it wasn’t. I was actually truly captivated and intrigued the whole time. Try it!

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Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien), by Lois Wickstrom was a really cute book! My kids loved it and really enjoyed learning about the stars and what constellations are. They giggled over the thought of an alien at their school! Great way to introduce science and space to young readers, and to help grow a love of learning and reading.

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Atonement: McIntire series, by Winter Austin

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book in the McIntire series, Atonement by Winter Austin, was amazing! Right from the first few pages, I was hooked. Her characters are relatable and strong, the story line was powerful. Trouble on more than one front, but not enough to be unrealistic. I was caught up the entire time and finished the book in one day, not able to put it down. Looking forward to picking up the next!

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