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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Katie Matthews

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Hannah and Doyle’s story. The author wove an exciting and intriguing romantic suspense story and one that I as fully invested in the whole way through. I liked the characters; they were both likeable and relatable. Hannah’s character came across well and I could feel her emotions regarding the loss of her brother, it was a loss she felt deeply and the author got this across really well. I liked Doyle and I have to be honest I could feel the attraction between the two of them straight away, he was determined to keep Hannah safe from her stalker.
A great read that will definitely keep your attention the whole way through! I’m looking forward to reading more from this series!

@katiem
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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Katie Matthews

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Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is probably one of the most beautifully written that I have read in a very long time. The author does warn of the content in the story but ye whilst I cried a lot it was also dealt with so sensitively and unfortunately it is something we all have to go through. The way the author wrote about certain things in the books she really did make me feel what the characters were feeling. I could feel that joy, happiness, kindness and also that deep grief, sadness and hurting of all of the characters in the story. The dual point of view was great I really did feel I was able to connect with both Hope and Adam and truly understand how they were both feeling.
It’s hard to write this review without giving away too much of the storyline and it is too beautifully written to be spoilt!
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough; it is truly a beautifully written story!

@katiem
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1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure (Mark Sutherland Adventures) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Katie Matthews

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1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few books by this author now so when I saw this new release from her I was really excited to start reading and it was as I expected a really great read. It was entertaining from beginning to end and the authors wonderful descriptive writing felt like I was right there in year 1897! The genre isn’t my usual but I really like the historical accuracy that the author uses in her writing, you can tell that she clearly researches the time periods that she sets her stories in. I really liked Mark, he was a great lead character to follow. There were some great twists and turns in the story too. I’m definitely looking to reading more from this author again!

@katiem
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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews

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Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a lovely story – I loved it and was completely hooked from beginning to end. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the main characters, they were both so warm and likeable. I really liked the storyline it was easy to follow and the authors lovely writing style was a pleasure to read. I loved Wynter, she really was such a lovely person, she had a warm heart and her passion in life was encouraging people to donate to worthy causes. I really thought that Caleb was going to be you r typical playboy but I could tell as soon as he met Wynter she was the one for him!
This really was a lovely read and one that I would highly recommend!

@katiem
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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

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Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful children’s story from this author, a retelling of a well-loved story with a STEM twist! My little boy is definitely enjoying reading them. I love how many talking points the story creates, it really does get children engaged in the story. The illustrations in the story are bright and colourful and will certainly capture children interest.
A lovely children’s story that will definitely keep them entertained throughout.

@katiem
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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Katie Matthews

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic read from this author – I absolutely adored this book. from start to finish I was completely captivated by the story and everything that was going on. The authors writing is mesmerising to read at times, full of detail and vivid descriptions of what is happening, I LOVE historical romance but they are usually set in London so I love that I’m reading about a different setting for these books and I love s good enemies to lovers romance so this book ticked everything for me!

The characters Isabel and Henrique were so wonderful to read about they had so much passion and chemistry between them. I loved reading their story. Another huge point for this book is the dual POV which meant we really got to see and understand both of the characters but for me in particular Henrique.

I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future and 100% recommend this book and series!

@katiem
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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Katie Matthews

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

Historical romance reads are y absolutely favourite – I love getting transported back to a time where the pace of life was so different to today. I’ve read a few books by this author now and I just adore her attention to detail – I can absolutely imagine everything that is happening in the story from the characters clothing to the scenery around them.

In this story Vanessa returns home to find family she is not expecting. Her Guardian, Jacob, is definitely not impressed with having to look after Vanessa and desperately tries to marry her off and I knew as I was reading this that this is certainly not what Jacob really wanted! I thought that they actually made a really nice couple and I was rooting for them the whole way through. This story was really good, it had everything I love form a historical romance with a few added ghostly extras!

I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future.

@katiem
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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Katie Matthews

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another lovely read from this author. I really enjoy reading her books they are so easy to read and just an absolute pleasure. I love the covers for these books as well, they really suit the series well.

I really liked Alice and James – they both seemed like such genuine, likeable people. I’ve got to admit from the moment they entered into this fake relationship I just knew there was going to more to it – they were just so perfect for each other. I love the small town that these stories are set in although some of the residents can be a little overbearing at times!

This was another great read and one that I would highly recommend. They can be read as standalones however I would recommend that they are read in order.

@katiem
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Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Katie Matthews

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Mr Wimp (The Human Mating Site #1)Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much and it’s gotten me really excited for what is to come next! I thought Bella was such a great character, I really felt for her at the beginning of the novella with everything her husband did and the things she found out but I loved how she turned it around and found herself again. I was really laughing out loud during the last few pages – I may have also said you go girl at one point too!
This is a really entertaining novella – Bella the main character is likeable and she has a great set of friend who I hope will feature in the next stories too as they seem so much fun! I definitely hope Joel gets his comeuppance too!

@katiem
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Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

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Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this may be my favourite of the series so far. I really enjoyed the story and I love getting to know that characters a little bit more with each story. I actually loved that I learned a little from this story too, it really was a great read. I think what I felt most in this book was a shift in Logan’s character, she really did seem happy and that her life was moving in a more positive direction. I enjoyed the pace of this story it did feel a little slower but equally as exciting to read.
Although this is the third book in the series it could be read as a standalone however I would highly recommend that they are read in order just so you can fully understand the back story if the characters.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

@katiem
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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

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Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After enjoying book 1 in this series I was looking forward to seeing what Logan would be doing in this second book and I wasn’t disappointed. Again the author told an exciting, gripping read which kept me turning the pages. Her writing is engaging and exciting. I really like the main character Logan, she just has something about her that makes you like her instantly. I liked the differing POV’s in the book it meant that the story had more depth to it in my opinion. There were a few sensitive topics within the books but I felt he author dealt with them really well and respectfully.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Logan in the next book!

@katiem
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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

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Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really exciting read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a little out of my usual reading comfort zone but it was nice to read something a little different. The pace of the story was really good and the characters were well developed. The book was easy to read and follow. The authors descriptions in the story are pretty vivid so it was quite easy to imagine what was going on – probably not a book to be reading before bed I have to admit! The main character Logan was a likeable and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about her in future books.

@katiem
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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Katie Matthews

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet holiday read and one that I really enjoyed. I liked the uniqueness of the storyline, it was really refreshing to read something a little bit different. I also love the front cover! It’s one of those stories that certainly gets you in the Christmas spirit! I thought Holly was really a sweet character going around collecting her Christmas cheer, it gave the story such a wonderful magical feel to it. I don’t want to give too much away but there are some really lovely moments in this story and the characters are likeable. I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Katie Matthews

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before I even start with this review you must read the first two books, Cruel Start and Cruel Hate before even thinking about reading this book!
So where to even start with this one, the last book ended on that intense cliff-hanger which meant I couldn’t wait to start this one and boy did it grab me and carry me off for its entirety! It so difficult to do this book justice in this review without spoiling it and I absolutely would not want to do that to any reader. The chemistry is still there between the two characters but there also this new deeper emotional journey throughout the book that really does grab you.
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and cannot recommend the three books about this couple enough!

@katiem
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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Katie Matthews

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story and it ending in that cliff-hanger I couldn’t wait to start on their full length duet and what a first part this was. This book certainly kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through the story with so much drama and angst going on with our main characters. Although Aspen’s initial plan didn’t really work out all that well I really came to admire her integrity and how she wanted to raise her child in a completely different way to how she had been raised. Phoenix’s character also really evolved over the story and it was great to watch them both grow but that ending! I literally cannot wait to get started on the second part of their story!

@katiem
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LIES-TRUTH-LOVE by Marina Hanna – Review by Katie Matthews

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Lies - Truth - LoveLies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an introduction to this author! I have no idea why I have not found one of her books to read before. As soon as I started reading, I was completely captivated by Ethan and Olivia’s story. There was so much going on in their story and it is definitely not smooth sailing for them. There’s a few misunderstandings, some miscommunication but ultimately some extremely intense chemistry between these two characters. The author’s writing was brilliant, easy to read yet complex at the same time.
This really was a wonderful story, definitely up there in my top reads of 2023! I am very excited to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really great read. I was hooked into what I was reading quite early one. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I loved how engaging her writing style was. I really liked Blake and I did feel for her at the beginning of the story, for her husband to do what he did was awful but the sexual chemistry between her and Morgan was so hot! I was so, so hoping for them to end up together, in my opinion they were both what each other needed in their lives. I really liked all of the characters I the tory, well some more than others!
The story had a really good pace and flow to it and I would highly recommend it to other readers. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
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This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Matthews

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This Time Around Audiobook

By Jane Suen

5 stars

 

I LOVED this book so much! I have read lots form this author and I love how versatile she is but I have to say I think that this is definitely my favourite form her so far. I fell in love with the characters straight away. Katie was just an amazing character, I loved her so much, she was relatable, I connected with her – she was just a genuinely lovely person to read about and then add in Chase! Perfection the two of them! The way he stepped up and took in his nephew and the relationship that they had was wonderful. I loved every minute of this story and would highly recommend it to others! The narration for the story was wonderful, they both really brought the story to life.

 

@katiem

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Katie Matthews

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit this book did have me shed a few tears. Owning pets is one of the best things but having to say good bye to them is heart breaking. Poor Shadow! The children in this book show such compassion towards Oscar and Emmy and they also did towards the stray cat Shadow.
This book is a great story to help explain to children about what happens when animals become poorly. The illustrations in the book are lovely as well.

@katiem
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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Katie Matthews

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Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a lovely story. I love Amaleigha, she is such an insightful little girl considering her age. I love that she was able to make friends with someone who has a completely different life to her. Through writing to Vova and learning about the war in his country enabled Amaleigha to think about how she can support him and his country even from thousands of miles away.
This is such a great story to read to children to help them understand different countries in the world and what is happening there.

@katiem
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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Katie Matthews

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As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a story. This was a very emotional read for me, as someone who has been through fertility treatment and potentially having to use different ways of becoming a mother, I instantly felt a connection with the characters in this book. The synopsis spoke to me on so many levels and I knew I just needed to read it straight away. The author did an absolutely amazing job with the story, it was emotional, heartfelt, devastating and so much more. I definitely cried a lot whilst reading it. The topics were handled sensitively and with compassion. The characters were wonderful to read about, genuine, real and raw emotions that cam across so well.
Honestly, I am so glad that I picked up this book and would 100% recommend it to other readers.

@katiem
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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Matthews

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A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another great read from Ms Suen! I love following Eve and her adventures. This may be a short story but it is certainly not short on detail. Poor Eve was expecting to have a nice relaxing getaway with her friends but as we know when Eve is about there is always something to be solved! There were so many twists and turns in this story – everything was definitely not as it seemed! The author did an amazing job of keeping the suspense going the whole way through the story.
These books are an absolute must read – I can’t wait to read this author’s next book!

@katiem
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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Katie Matthews

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Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to read this book after reading the first book in the series and it did not disappoint at all. I absolutely loved Lev and Daphne! They really were two of the best characters I have read about in a long time. They hated each other but that hate led to the most electric passion ever! The chemistry between them literally oozed off the pages! Because we had already met the characters in the first book I felt like their story was able to start with a bang and that it did! I loved the first book in this series but I have to admit I think this one has knocked it off the top spot! I was completely riveted form beginning to end – an absolutely fantastic read and one that I highly recommend!

@katiem
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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Katie Matthews

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Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much! I absolutely adore these authors and I was glued to this book from beginning to end. A wonderful writing duo that you have absolutely no idea who writes which parts because they complement each other’s writing styles so much.
I loved Bridget – she was such a great character to read about and Prince Fynix was one of those characters you fall in love with instantly. I adore stories like this one when a royal falls in love with a normal down to earth person – definitely movie material this book! I loved all the twists and turns in the story and I was rooting for these two the whole way through the book!
Fantastic book and I can’t wait for the next one!

@katiem
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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Katie Matthews

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A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, I thought that it was a really good read and I find it easy to read. The characters were easy to engage with and I can imagine many young adult readers would really enjoy it.
There was a lot going on for our main character, Mina. She was the target of many bullies during her younger years and I really did feel for her, school can be an awful time for some people. I liked Wes, I didn’t think I would but he surprised me.
I loved the story was written by two authors and you had no idea! Their writing styles matched each other perfectly.
Overall this was a really enjoyed able read and one I would definitely recommend. I will be looking forward to reading more from these authors in the future.

@katiem
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The Anchor Knot (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly – Review by Katie Matthews

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The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Anchor Knot was a beautifully written story that was really engaging to read about. I really liked the characters especially Gabby. She seemed like a really likeable and down to earth person who is really struggling with who she is meant to be and if she is being true to herself. She really was selfless person she always put everyone else first and made sure that everyone around her was happy – even if that meant she did always feel that way herself. I really enjoyed Gabby’s story she really grew over the story and realised that she mattered as a person. There were some very good unpredictable twists in the story too.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

@katiem
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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Katie Matthews

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The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve really been enjoying these stories by this author. I find them really easy to read and they have great characters. I love the time period that these stories take place in, so much struggle goes on in these times with regards to interracial relationships and I love that the author tackles this with such amazing story lines and characters.
I loved Billie Jean! She certainly was not afraid to stand up for what she believed. She had a great confidence and independence about her that made her so amazing to read about. She definitely didn’t see Fisher coming along though! There was this instant attraction between them that was definitely undeniable and I really enjoyed seeing them evolve as a couple and navigate the barriers of that time period when it came to their relationship.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Katie Matthews

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Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an adorable book. I read it with my 3-year-old and he loved it. He loves numbers so I knew this book would be a winner. The illustrations were so colourful and engaging he loved looking at them and finding things within the picture. The writing is beautiful, so easy to read and engaging for my little boy because of the rhyming words.
This book was definitely a 5-star winner in this house and one I would highly recommend to young children who are starting out on their counting and learning numbers journey!

@katiem
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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Katie Matthews

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a wonderful story and would make an amazing book on any child’s bookshelf. It will certainly evoke the imaginations of the children who read it whilst also providing some great opportunities for discussions. The story takes us on a magical fantasy adventure with the main character Russell – the writing for the story was brilliant, such vivid descriptions which made it so easy along with the illustrations to imagine what was happening.
A wonderful read and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

@katiem
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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Katie Matthews

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book because it is very close to my heart. I volunteer for a rescue in the UK and the number of cats we have come into rescue to have kittens because of their owners have chosen not to neuter them. We have male strays who have been fighting again because of not being neutered, cats who get run over because they are either chasing females or getting away from other unneutered male cats. It’s a huge problem and I love that this story is addressing the issue at a young age. Its giving children to correct information about how to care for their pets to keep them safe. The story was really well written and had beautiful illustrations. I cannot recommend the book enough it shows how the T-N-R programme works and the positive effect it can have.

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