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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

What a cute book!! I got this for my 10 almost 11 year old, but as I read it I really enjoyed it myself! I was captivated by each horse/pony! What little/big girl doesn’t love horses?! Poor Russell’s’ life is been all downs lately in life’s’ crazy ups and downs. He’s not been doing well at school (about failing!), his over the top storytelling grandfather moved in and took his room (plus he has to care for him after school!), he was basically banished to the basement (yelling up and down stairs all the time. ugh!), and he can’t seem to do anything right (dad’s drinking isn’t helping!). Pre-teen life at it’s finest! He has big dreams of being a firefighter like his uncle, but he really isn’t courageous/brave enough. He can’t stand up to school bullies, his grandpa keeps making him go to the park for a baby ride (the carousel), and everyone seems to yell at him for everything. Life sucks. One day after fighting with his grandfather (about that stupid baby carousel), he rides the carousel with him and they’re magically sent for a ride!! Shot back into the past where they face a life and death experience, has Russell looking at his grandfather’s “crazy” stories closer. Has he really lived all these stories? Different lives almost? Each time he rides a horse, he is brought into that horses’ world and he gets to experience their life for a short song. Each ride has it’s own obstacles and adventures though, and when Russell looses the magic brass ring (his grandfather gave him) he could be stuck forever!! Can he make it back? Will he learn all the secrets to the ring and the horses? What about the lead horse? Will he find it?? There are so many questions you will find yourself asking throughout this book (I suggest you ask your kids what they think while you read together for more interaction!), but it is so wonderful! I really enjoyed “getting to know” each of the different horses on the carousel and so did my daughter. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

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@jaimie0459

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wockstorm-Review by Amanda Kimble

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Dream-Shifter is the first multi chapter book that I’ve had the chance to read by the author. My daughter absolutely loved this book.

Gwendolyn is the one who dresses like the olden days. She likes to be old fashioned, but she didn’t expect to be a dream shifter. She bugs Wally and lets him know what is going on. The quote I chose for Gwendolyn is: “Let’s start with you telling me the whole process from the beginning. What happens when someone dies?”

Highly recommended for Kids Fantasy lovers.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Amanda DelFemine

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

L.B. Anne does a great job mixing fantasy, mystery, and gets you hooked quick with The way to Storey. Lue is homeschooled by her grandfather in the swamps of Florida and basically sheltered from everthing. Lues grandfather tells her that they are from a place called Storey and to go there if something happens to him but really doesnt tell Lue about the place. Lue descends on a journey after finding a weird light. Who are Lues friends and who are her foes?

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Heather Lovelace

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a delightful story. I loved how this came together. It was very imaginative and playful and appeals to all age levels. Just the right amount of whimsy to keep a younger reader engaged without losing the interest of an older lover of fantasy. Very enjoyable.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Heather Bass

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

This is the first book that I have read from this author and wow I was surprised. This book is meant for tweens not adults but I found myself addicted to this story. I love a good adventure and this author exceeded all my expectations. I was hooked from the first chapter and it only took me a few hours to devour this amazing read. I hope this author will consider doing a series.

Luella is an eleven year old girl that loves adventure. She is homeschooled and lives on a swap. Luella loves her life but she is also lonely. She doesn’t know it but she is not just a normal girl. Luella was told by her grandfather that they are from a place called Storey and if something happens to him she needs to go there. She is thinking that it is just a fairy tale until she follows a light. Luella finds her kind but are they her friends or enemies? Is there anyone she can trust or is she just as lonely in this place as well?

review by @heatherbass

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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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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Pippa Woods

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

This was my first L.B. Anne story, and I am sooo excited to have found it! Anne is a gifted author; her imagery and vivid world-building are out of this world! You will fall in love with the characters, Luella is my favorite! She is brave, strong, adventurous, and an ultimate tomboy who loves nature more than pretty dresses. The entire story is full of mystery, action, and following what you know is right. I can’t wait to suggest this to all my teacher friends, I think it’s a great read for entertainment purposes, but I also love the message behind it!
@pippawoods

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Paula R Sayers

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 is a fun Middle Grade book. Luella is an eleven year old girl who is homeschooled and lives with her Grandpa in the swamps of Florida. Her Grandpa has told her they are from somewhere called Storey. He has made sure Luella knows not to tell anyone about Storey. Grandpa has told her that if anything ever happens she need to follow the birds. When the unthinkable happens, Luella must follow the birds and she meets some wonderful characters along the way. This story will bring a smile to anyone’s face who decides to read it.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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

I believe you do NOT have to be between 8-12 years old to enjoy this story. I am a kid a heart and even as an adult, I very much enjoyed this book. What an adventure to feel like I was tagging along with Luella to find STOREY. She makes a friend or two along the way and finds trouble when there are people trying to capture her. I definitely recommend this book no matter what age….it was a great read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Krista Vaughan

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Krista Vaughan

This is a wonderful adventure following Luella as she tries to makes her way to Storey, where her Grandfather says they are from. Luella meets interesting characters as she “follows the birds” while fleeing from the people who took her grandfather. I love Luella’s character! She is quirky and fun. She tries so hard to be a grown-up and to do as her Grandfather told her. She’s only 11, afterall. This would be a wonderful book for youth who like a little magic in their reading.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Erica Fish

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

The Way to Storey is a book for all ages. The storyline is simple and entertaining. The characters are just as much fun as the storyline. Luella is the main character that we follow in this story. She follows a mystery light from her grandfather’s drawer. She is looking for Storey. Everyone has told her that it is a myth and there is no place called Storey. She had a thing to tell people about this mystical place. I loved following Luella. I went on her journey to find out her answers to questions of identity, finding out where she belongs and her home. I highly recommend this fantasy book for all ages.

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The Way To Storey by L.B. Anne – Review by Sarah Devereaux

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne was a very enjoyable middle-grade book aimed at readers 9-12. It is about a little girl named Luella who lives with her grandpa, or gramps as she calls him, on a swamp in Florida. She is a peculiar little girl who can do things most would not imagine. I found her to be interesting in the way she thought about the day-to-day activities she did with her gramps at home because she was homeschooled and did not attend school like other children.

The fantasy story tells about Luella’s adventure and journey to find a place called Storey, where her family is from. Her gramps has told her all about Storey and I really enjoyed how the author helped the reader to understand the importance of this place and why Luella needed to believe it was real.
When exploring one day Luella finds a mysterious light in her gramps dresser drawer and she sets off on a journey to find Storey and more like her kind. Along the way, she learns about friendship and that life is not the same outside of her family’s home along with learning the importance of trust and that not everyone is your friend.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Although it is aimed at readers ages 9-12, I did not feel that was the only age group who could read this book, and as an adult really enjoyed the character building and the story hidden within the story. I felt it was well written and perfect for the middle-grade age group.

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The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne- Review by Kristy Nelson

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a charming story. I can’t think of any other way to describe it! L.B. Anne creates a fun adventure suitable for middle school readers, but it can also be enjoyed by those much older. I sincerely hope that there are follow up books. I would love for the story and the magical world to be expanded on. This would also make an excellent Disney style movie or show!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Tausha Treadway

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. This is such a fun kids book. This is the story of 11 year old Louella who lives with her Grandpa in the middle of no where! She is homeschooled by her grandpa and the neighbor next door helps him raise her. Lu runs wild thru the swamps and woods that surround her home. Her Grandpa has told her that they are from a place called Storey and if anything ever happens that she needs to follow the birds and they will lead her to Storey. So when she goes to town to look up stuff on the computer in the library the computer shuts down she knows she’s done something wrong and sure enough when she gets home her Grandpa is gone. Will Lu be able to find her way to Storey to save her grandpa. Read this fun kids book to find out!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Lydia Pelton

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

The Way to Storey
Written by L.B. Anne

I love it!

This is such a wonderfully written story. I grabbed it because I read chapter books to my daughter. I ended up getting engrossed in the book more than she did. It was beautifully written and the settings made you feel like you were right alongside Luella on her adventure to find Storey. I feel like this is a great middle school read or really any age read. It has adventure, family, friends and a bit of mystery that just ties it all together so well!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Shelly Kittell

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

Magical twisting fantasy tale that will delight young readers from 8-12. Luella goes on an adventure to find Storey. Her Gramps has been telling her about Storey all her life and because of an unfortunate incident at the library, she now has to go find Storey. A tale of good vs evil with twists and turns, mystery and a tad bit of overgrown emotion will keep your child interested in this story from the very first page.. Storey is a land you have never dreamed of.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Liz Vrchota

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

With six children I am often picking up books with a tagline and bright cover that catch my eye. I never know if and when I will be asked for something new to read by one of them and often run out of ideas, believe it or not! This one was not only a new author but a new adventure that I hope will spark some new interests that will open up some stories for my middle grade daughters. I must confess I started to flip through this baby and fell into it and devoured it myself. The story is fast paced and well written with lots of myth, lore, and magic that just about any age could enjoy this. I can see us enjoying this book as a family read out loud even. I do look forward to seeing what else may be available and if we get more of the world we are introduced to in THE WAY TO STOREY!

Review by @lizaileen
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The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne – Review by Caralee Loonat

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
5 Star!!!!!

I wish my kids were smaller as this would be a fantastic read for them. I really think that this is a great book for a young reader. The author has a very refreshing story and great writing style that just grabs the reader’s attention and keeps it. Even as an adult I really found it interesting and a refreshing read.

The characters are well written and the story has just enough drama and adventure. The story would definitely grab the readers imagination. Children really need good enjoyable clean stories and this is definitely one. Highly recommend this author.

Reviewed  by @caraleeloonat
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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Ashley Dover

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

What an amazing story! L.B. Anne weaves a magical tale with amazing characters. The supernatural power in this book is unlike any other. Louella is an eleven-year-old girl. She lives with her Grandpa in south Florida in a secluded area. Lou is homeschooled by her Grandpa. Her neighbor Ma Poo helps take care of her. They are a non-traditional family but family nonetheless.

One day Lou walks into town and goes to the library to do some research on the place where she is told she is from, STOREY. When she uses the computer, the webcam blinks on and the librarian is very concerned. Lou runs all the way back home, knowing she has done something wrong, and wondering what the consequences will be.

It doesn’t take long for her fears of insecurity to take flight in her life. Gramps is taken, and she knows she must return to STOREY. How does she get there? She has to follow the birds.

Take this journey with Lou and enjoy her breathtaking ease with nature.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Kayla Bullock

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Way to Storey tells the story of Lu, a young girl being raised by her grandfather. Lu is homeschooled, and runs wild through the swamps that surround their home. Her grandfather has told her, however, that they are from another place, Storey, and that if anything ever happens to him, she is to “Follow the Birds” and they will lead her to Storey.

A sweet story of adventure, the characters are likeable and the book is fun to read. However, the ending was abrupt and was a let down after the build up of the rest of the book. Hopefully, the author continues the story with more books! Would make a great series!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Rayne East

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

This is an adventure story with a message. The story is told from the point of view of eleven year old Lou as she discovers who she is and journeys to find her way home. The author weaves a story filled with magic, mystery and self-discovery. This has the feel of a timeless classic, a storybook that would appeal to people of all ages. The imagery is clear and the characters relatable. I really enjoyed it and this would make a great addition to any home or school library.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Rachel Moss

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Way To Storey by L. B. Anne was an interesting read. This was a strange story, but an interesting one nonetheless. I’ve never read a story quite like this one before. This is a story for all ages. I enjoyed the imagery that was created this story and the characters were all entertaining and interesting. This was a very quick and easy read, which is a plus. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending, but it was entertaining. I feel like this book deserves a sequel, and I would definitely enjoy reading another installment.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Angela Hayes

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

The Way to Storey by L.B Anne was such a great little read perfectly suited for middle grade aged children, or any age for that matter. It is a wonderful fast-paced fantasy adventure story- with mystery, family, myth, a journey, friendship, discovery, exploring identity, and discovering where you belong.
L.B Anne is a new-to-me author and I have enjoyed my introduction to her work. I do wish that the story didn’t feel so rushed at the end and that all the threads had been tied up- otherwise it was quite a delightful adventure.

Thank you, L.B. Anne!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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

I initially wanted to read The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne because the cover drew me in, the illustration is fun, the colors warm and inviting, it just looked like fun. But once I got into the story I couldn’t put it down, while this book is much more suited for the middle school age group this reader found it fascinating. Full of great characters, fantasy, wonderful word play that will make your imagination run wild, The Way to Story is just amazing and lighthearted. This is my first book by this author and I have to admit that as a mother of a little girl I will be keeping this author in mind for when she’s older. But personally I hope she makes it into a series because this reader for one wants to know what happens next.

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The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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

Luella is an eleven year old girl who lives with her Gramps next door to a lady she knows as Ma Poo, they live a quiet existence in the Florida swamps where she is homeschooled and taught all about nature, as well as the normal school subjects as well, but spends her leisure time reading or fishing with her Gramps and on the odd occasion watches a bit of TV with Ma Poo. She doesn’t get on well with the other local kids, they call her names and pick on her, but she can run away from them faster than they can catch her, but she does get in trouble for it sometimes. While they are out on the lake, Luella asks her Gramps about Storey, it is a place where Gramps says she is from, he then asks her questions about what she already knows, such as how to get there, to which Luella replies that she has to follow the birds and where her emotions need to be kept, to which she replies in her heart, but Luella doesn’t believe that Storey exists, after all, she found no evidence of it when she searched the house or when she searched for it on the computer in the local library, but when the computer goes haywire, Luella has a feeling that something is coming.

One day some men come to the house and ask where Luella is, even though she has never seen them in her life, but Gramps tells her to stay inside and out of site while he and Ma Poo deal with them, the men won’t take no for an answer and so when Gramps comes back into the house to get his shotgun, he tells Luella to go to their place and wait for him there. When he says this Luella knows it is serious and goes there to wait for him, when he eventually comes to get her it is already night time and so Luella has a bath and goes to bed thinking nothing more about it until her Gramps picks her up out of bed in the morning and tells her to hide in the hidden alcove above her dresser and to stay there no matter what happens. As usual, Luella doesn’t listen and creeps to a window to see what is happening, this is when she sees them force her Gramps into one of their cars and hears people entering the house, this is when she goes and hides while she hears them searching the entire house for her. She only comes out once she is sure she cannot sense their presence in the house and Ma Poo comes in looking for her. When she does, she tells Luella that the people will be back and that she has to gather together her things and come to her place out of the way, but things do not go smoothly and the men come back before the sun even has chance to rise and when Ma Poo is placed in danger, Luella cannot control her emotions and blasts the men away from her.

This is where Luella’s life will change completely, she leaves the only place she has ever known and follows her Gramps instructions to follow the birds and get to Storey as soon as she can, but that she has to do it on her own, as she travels she meets people along the way, but some help and some hinder. Will Luella be able to hold her own and make it to Storey, or will she lose her way and be caught by the people shadowing her every step? This is a fantasy tale of a journey of one girl against the odds which will hook you in and keep you there until you have read the entire thing.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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

OhMyGosh! This was the most adorable story that I can wholeheartedly recommend for children of all ages. Louella, a feisty, brilliant, little swamp girl is the heroine we all need. She is unabashedly herself, in all her feral wonder. She is clearly different from the other people she meets, she seems to be able to run faster, climb higher, and outfox enemies whenever needed. When she must seek out the fairy tale land of Storey that Gramps has taught her about, she shows all of the bravery and skill he knew she possessed. The characters she meets along the way are beautifully drawn, I felt like I could almost see them myself. This book is full of wonder and plain loveableness! L.B. Anne, I pray that you have a follow-up in the works!

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Karen Pearman

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

This was a delightful & fun read from the very beginning. I read this book in about 3 hours that was how much I couldn’t get enough of it. The main character is such a smart, adventurous, and brave girl. She reminds me a lot of Merida from the Disney movie “Brave”. However, I think the author did a really great job with all the characters as they all have their own abilities and skills to use in various ways. She did an amazing job describing the surroundings as well and I feel like I need to take a trip there. This is a great adventure and a definite recommendation for your kids. Especially the ones that love fantasy worlds. And I must say that as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it for you as well. Or perhaps, pick it up and read it to your kids. I think this would be a great bonding and sharing time story.

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Desiree Ottinger

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a fascinatingly, cute read! It was full of adventure that ended entirely too soon! The author did an excellent job of accurately describing relationships with people through the eyes of a child. Luella is an extraordinary character with exceptional powers. Her “Gramps” did a wonderful job raising her to make good decisions; even when it was hard. I hope that there will be more stories to come from the world of Storey!

Perfect for 4th graders and up!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Debi Kircher

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

5 +++ Stars

I grabbed this book because of the cover and I thought it would be something my grandkids would love. The thing is, I read it, couldn’t put it down, and fell in love with it. Although it is suited for 8 – 12 year olds, this much older reader thought it was such a fantastic story and found herself on the edge of her seat most of the read because it flowed so well that you really had no idea what was going to happen next. I read in one of the other reviews that they were hoping for a series. YES PLEASE, what happens next was something I really wanted to know. It did not end on a cliff hanger but after following the birds for so long I really wanted to know more.

This is my first ever read by this author and I have already mentioned her to my daughters and I will be buying a copy of this for each of my grands! I simply loved this story and the character of Lu was so amazingly written.

I can’t recommend this high enough for any age..it was a fantastic book!

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The Way to Storey by L. B. Anne – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Way to StoreyThe Way to Storey by L.B. Anne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

The Way to Storey by L.B. Anne is set to appeal to ages 9-12 who have a love of mystery and fantasies. The family dynamics are strong and full of love. I felt like there were a lot of unresolved questions and the ending felt a little rushed. With magic and mystery, love and family, secrets and friendships. Luella is fun and, on a journey, to find out just what Storey is.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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