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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed

Toasted is the first book in the Love Burns Series and is a Contemporary Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages, I couldn’t put it down and read in one afternoon. I loved everything about this book and who doesn’t love hot sexy firemen? I sure do. These have sizzling chemistry between them and holy cow did the temperature rise during certain scenes. Whew. Zack and Libby meet for the first time when Libby’s toaster catches fire and Zack is one of the Hot as sin Firefighter s that save the day. She’s a sassy little thing and he loves it. These two banter back and forth and the attraction is off the charts. Can Zack convince Libby to give into a real relationship with him? I loved everything about this book and highly recommend reading it to find out what happens next. I’m already super excited about the next book in this series.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rita White

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What a good little book for ages 4-8. The illustrations are remarkable with bright colors and with great detail. I read this story to my 4 year old granddaughter, and she loved it. This story is twofold for me. It teaches a child that sometimes you have to try something (under adult supervision) that an older person might not think is the best. It also teaches children that if you work or train something (the dragon) and take time to help and make it understand to follow rules or commands that it makes all the difference in the world.
#canikeepit
#4-8yearoldlifelessons
#repeatauthor
#loiswickstromauthor
#timnagreenillustrator

Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Angela Hayes

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Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig is a handy guide on how to become more productive and impowered in your work/life/creativity. It is full of handy tips, insights, techniques, exercises, examples, and strategies on how to achieve a productive life.
It is about stepping out of your ‘comfort zone’ and embracing the changes that will help you achieve your goals whether they be personal, business, or creative- there is something here (for everyone) to help get you out of the rut/block that has you stagnating.
Everything you might want to know, from motivational techniques, to creative prompts, and dealing with deadlines, to taking breaks, becoming effective, setting boundaries, compassion, joyful work, building resilience, abundance, time management (budgeting time, tracing your time, investing your time wisely), the perils of overgiving, how to cope, how to stay ‘safe’ on social media, eliminating, and to not settle into being ‘stuck’— and so much more.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Hillary Rettig!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Ghost, Fantasy
Page Count – 194
Cover Designer – Rook and Castle Press
Thwarting an assassination wasn’t on the menu.
Elinor’s holiday is nearly ruined when a poisoner targets the king and what’s even more irritating? Tristan Fontaine, the Duke de Archambeau, thinks to solve the case before she can!
Between saving a society lady’s reputation, comforting a girl with a ghostly brother, and conducting a séance for a widow, Elinor has her hands full. All she wants is to enjoy dinners prepared by the best chefs in the land, but Tristan’s mother and sister can’t stop giving bossy advice. It’s enough to spoil the dessert course.
Despite it all, she might still find time to enjoy herself especially if it means snooping through other people’s wardrobe closets.
The second of a six-part Gaslamp fantasy ghost mystery series featuring a strong-minded female Sherlock Holmes-like character in a slow burn romance

~ AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ KOBO ~ APPLE BOOKS ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash

Spinning tales of subtle magic with unexpected twists, she packages satisfying stories that reads like no others. Byrd writes the book you need, not the one you expected.

Described by one reviewer as a “literary glass of bourbon after a long day,” and another: “When I get a Byrd story, I know I’m in good hands.”

Whether it is a Doppelgänger who was once a medieval knight now working in college administration, or an updated Red Riding Hood escaping a post-WWI wolf pack, her characters all feel real.

That Celtic goddess at the pet store? She’s someone you know. A medieval queen fleeing an abusive marriage? You experience her pain and triumph.

With a B.A. in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, covering news, schools, and lifestyle for both weeklies and dailies. She was the first journalist to serve as director of The Forest Heritage Center in Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma.

Her hobbies include reading, nature hikes, and traveling when she has the money. She seldom has the money. Married to a man who reads all her books but with two adult children who never read them. Byrd has cats, which makes her a legit author.

Author Interview with Byrd Nash

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ PINTEREST ~ BOOKBUB ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAM~ FACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rita White

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What a great informative book. I feel like I just had a science lesson! I loved the rhyming of the story and the little facts also on the page. My 4 year old granddaughter loved me reading her this book. She was more interested in the story and not so much in the facts. The facts will be used and read better by the older children. The illustrations are fabulous and depict the story great.

A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Rita White

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Another great book in the Life Is Hell Series. This is book 5 of the series, and this book follows Jezebel and Hadassah. Hadasdah is Mals’ brother and is a spoiled brat. There are a lot of ups and downs in this book with these characters, but it all comes together at the end. We see a lot of the previous characters in this book. This is an F/F book with great characters, a fast-paced and easy read.
#coldashell
#lifeishellseries
#NaomiValkrie

Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kelli Harper

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story starts off HOT, as in there is a fire in the kitchen. Who knew you had to clean toasters? There is a lot of fun, flirty banter between the female and male main characters. I really enjoyed watching the characters develop and evolve throughout the story. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to more.

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things start going a little haywire in Irena’s life when her ex-husband falls overboard on a boat trip they were taking with friends. As Irena searches for Jack, the information she finds is not adding up. Jack was in mega debt. He was supposedly running a scam with a friend, Craig. Irena’s boyfriend, Buzz, is not who she thought he was.

As the web of lies starts unraveling, it looks more and more like Jack disappeared on purpose. But maybe not for the reasons everyone thinks. Maybe Jack is one of the good guys after all.

Find yourself wrapped up in this Millersville mystery. It is worth the read.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

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Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet again Lois Wickstrom has written a very imaginative tale about finding an egg, hatching a dragon and hoping to be able to train and keep the dragon. Full of great illustrations and a wonderful story. Lois Wickstrom is quickly becoming a family favorite in my house.

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Robin Rankin

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Strategist: A Forced Proximity Romance (WaterFyre Rising Book 5)

I have been in love with this series from the beginning and that hasn’t changed after five books. If anything I think I might be falling a little deeper.

Arrow and Vivian both have scars from their past, some more visible than others. While there is a crazy attraction from the beginning Vivian is on a mission and that is where her focus is.

Arrow didn’t have the easiest childhood but he had his best friends and we know how much they mean when you didn’t have much else. He has really gone above and beyond any expectations anyone could have put on him.

Once again not a dull moment in this story, while the focus was in Arrow and Vivian we get some time with the others. Now to patiently wait until fall for the next book to be released.

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Purrfectly Framed (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer MysteryPurrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I accidentally grabbed the second book instead of book one, but it was written in a way that I didn’t feel that I had missed out on a lot of important information. That being said, I plan to read book one, because I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I want to read more about Molly and her fantastic felines. I am definitely starting to really enjoy the cozy mystery genre and this series is a wonderful fit. It definitely draws you into the action right away and it’s a laugh out loud story with all of the hijinks between Molly and her felines as they attempt to figure out who did it. Molly is a great main character and she is extremely loyal to her friends and her felines. If you like hilarious mysteries with the added bonus of cats, you will love this series!

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Julie Johnson

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover of this book drew me to it, along with the title. Just look at the cover! It’s beautiful!

This is the story of Lily Thompson. She’s a very determined young lady who takes on the role of a man to fight for her freedom. Lily faces many trials and tribulations in her young life but she must persevere!

This book was written when the author was 12 years old. I find that very impressive, even considering this story has had a few rewrites. I will be looking for more by this author.

A fitting read for the Memorial Day weekend! I’m very thankful for those who gave all for my freedom!

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Mandy Ott

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isobel Reed is a first time author for me, but when I saw “hot firefighter” I had to pick it up! Toasted is the first book in the Love Burns Series. This was such a feel good, quick story but was still fun to read. Libby and Zach’s relationship begins when he rescues her from a burning toaster, and only gets more entertaining from there. Libby and Zach have instant chemistry that Libby attempts to resist for fear of getting hurt. This book has very little drama, lots of humor and wit, and an instant connection. It was a lot less spicy than I am used to, but it was also refreshing at the same time. The characters are realistic, believable, and oh-so-lovable while the world building is well written. I am looking forward to the next book in the Love Burns Series as well as other books by Isobel Reed!

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Irena is a single mom who’s just trying to make a good life for herself and her daughter while also juggling a business and love life. Her situation is complicated by the debt of child support owed to her by her ex-husband. And then a trip with friends takes a turn for the worst and Irena is left with some difficult questions, and even harder truths. I love Susan Specht Oram’s works, which are always packed with mystery, adventure, and lots of thrills! This new book is told through multiple point of views and follows the unique style of storytelling that leaves you speechless and wanting to read more!

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series Book 1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood. This is my first book by this author but wow, it won’t be my last. This book was so hard to put down that I read it in just a few settings. Its the story of Michaela Manning who has lived under a assumed name for over 20 years because when she was 3 she was shot because of her grandfather who was killed as well. Living under the name of Lea Milan as an artist in Europe she has become quite successful and has constantly been looking over her shoulder because of her father and his political aspirations. Maxwell Cole is the security guy who saved Lea at the age of 3 and he continues to look after her all these years later. When her secret identity is in danger of being found out will Maxwell be able to continue to protect her? This political thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat til you are finished. Such a great book!

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another cute story from this author, I always enjoy getting to check out her books. This is a great book to teach young children not only about counting or other educational skills, but that it’s ok to be different. The children in the book recognize the Dinopotamus wants to learn, but he is a bit different from them. Children will get to see how they embrace the differences between themselves and Dino. I enjoyed the art work as well, it was very cute and young children will definitely enjoy it as well. Definitely a great book to enjoy with young children.

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Ayla Eddy

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First the cover of this book caught my attention then the idea of a duck shifter had my curiosity peaked. The story behind this eye catching cover was absolutely amazing and a fresh take on an animal shifter book. 

An odd shifter out as a duckling compared to all the larger animal shifters. Our main character is made to feel out of place and like she just doesn’t belong. Following along her journey to finding herself was and possibly snagging the Prince she has been crushing on?

Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

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Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Loris Opens Up His HeartLoris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a touching story!
Loris has been in the foster system after a really terrible home life. He has trust issues and refuses to open up to anyone.
He moves to a home with a new family that includes Cam, Inaya, and their foster mom. He initially refuses to open up whatsoever as he doesn’t trust anyone.
His heart however slowly opens the more time he spends with this family and the story illustrates the beauty and bravery of opening up your heart even when it’s scary.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Can I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir seriesCan I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, the beautiful classic golden book type illustrations bring this unique story to life. Lois Wickstrom’s main theme to this book is just because something has always been perceived as bad doesn’t mean they are born that way; love can change everything and everyone. Wynnie continues to prove why she is the wisest adviser the king has ever had and that thinking differently than others is a great reward.

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Information on the science of the human body is told in a way to help younger minds understand. Lois Wickstrom astonishes me once again in the way she gives information to young minds. Her creative easy to understand comparisons of how a wound is healed related to war and rebuilding is wonderful. With the extra big words in boxes along the way this book helps have informative moments with your little one in a fun educational way.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The way this story is told is so different. I kept waiting for the “story” to start but little did I know the author smoothly snuck the story in while I was waiting. Next thing I knew I was half way through the book. I became so interested in what Madame Chalamet was doing and how she does what she does. I enjoyed the secondary characters especially that Archambeau.

This has a really nice flow to the story making it easy to read. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one. I am curious what other powers she has as well as how and why she is doing this for a living.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book isn’t quite what I expected it would be when I first started reading. I thought it would be the typical second chance romance and yet this story seemed to have so much more about it. the age gap also wasn’t quite the gap I was expecting and I actually think that made it better for me overall. I connected with the characters more and felt like I really became invested in their story.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed the writing style used. It had a natural and easy flow about it that just pulls you in slowly. I found the story to be engaging and I thought it was one of those that is easy to read as it flowed so naturally. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Purrfectly Framed (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker

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Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer MysteryPurrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having just read the first book, I was excited to see what book two would hold for Molly and her feline companions. This book is just as good as the first one and I loved Molly possibly even more. I couldn’t wait to see how she would navigate her way through this new mystery and I was not disappointed at all.
Books like this are definitely becoming more common and yet this author has created a series that will definitely stand out from the market. They are funny, entertaining and hold enough twists and turns to keep you engaged and wondering what might happen. This book was thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what is next in Molly’s adventures.

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Brushed up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker

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Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun and entertaining murder mystery story that is definitely made even better by the feline help the main character receives. Molly was brilliant to read about. She was the perfect lead for this kind of story.
I enjoyed how the author introduced enough characters who could be the suspect to keep it interesting. This kind of story I usually find quite predictable when it comes to guessing who is responsible but there was enough mystery involved, with a few twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am going to read the next book straight away.

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Alison Risher

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The main character is a detective in Italy who struggles to find a healthy work to life ratio. This is an issue with which many people of today certainly struggle.He loves his family and he excels at his job. This could be considered a cautionary tale, as he learns that the choices he makes in his professional life could have unpleasant win his personal life. Will he solve the crime? Will he still still have a family when he does so? Read on to find out.

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Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr – Review by Kerry Baker

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Finding Love (The Oath Series)Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great story about two characters who are emotionally broken due to their past and the connection they forge. I felt the chemistry between them immediately and it only grew as the book went on. I found myself really becoming invested in their story and looking forward to seeing how they would work things out.
This book is well written and has a great pace. The author knew exactly how to develop it and which direction the story needed to go in. I enjoyed everything about this story and would definitely recommend it.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Kerry Baker

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an interesting tale set in US revolutionary war. The main character is the one who makes this story. Despite everything she goes through, she shows strength and has so much about her. For me, she is what pulled me into this story. I connected with her before the main storyline and wanted to see the kind of journey she would go on.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has certainly left me intrigued. Overall I think the story would have benefitted from extra development but I enjoyed what the author had created.

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Holy Cow, Susan has done it again. I had the hardest time putting this book down. If it weren’t for other life commitments, I would have read it in one sitting.

I was so invested in Kelly finding out what happened to her dad, Jack, and cheering her on as she stood up to her Mom, Irena, and her Mom’s boyfriend, Buzz, when they would try to hide things from her. She had a few moments where she did act her age, but through the majority of the book she really showed how mature and wise beyond her years that she really was.
Irena and Kelly really deal with a group of men that think that they are females that need to be protected and sheltered from things, however they ontinue to show how strong they both are.

After 3 books, I am absolutely invested in Millersville and want to read more about every person that lives in the town.

The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Alison Risher

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The main character is a detective in Italy who struggles to find a healthy work to life ratio. This is an issue with which many people of today certainly struggle.He loves his family and he excels at his job. This could be considered a cautionary tale, as he learns that the choices he makes in his professional life could have unpleasant win his personal life. Will he solve the crime? Will he still still have a family when he does so? Read on to find out.

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Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Moonlight DriveMoonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley

Moonlight Drive is wonderfully written story that I absolutely loved reading. From the first page I was hooked and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I will say parts of this story wrecked my emotions and boy were they all over the place. My heartstrings were pulled in every direction and I loved every minute of it. This author puts her heart and soul into every book she writes. This one is definitely my favorite yet. The characters are complex, raw yet fully developed and relatable. They made the story come to life and their growth throughout the story was epic. This is a story about finding yourself when you believe you’re lost and the struggles of making it in the music industry. I’m not going to give anything away but I do highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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