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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie, who is kin to Emma in the Notebook series of books by this same author, is serving as a clerk of the court. There is a high profile case that has come to the judge she is working for and the judge is pushing to get this case through quickly. So many things aren’t adding up to Lottie, and then some pictures arrive at her home. Lottie isn’t ashamed of her bohemian, free-spirited, bisexual lifestyle but these pictures come with a threat. Can she keep her private and personal live separated until this trial is over or is she going to have to disclose some very intimate and private details?

This book is based on actual historical events that have taken place. That’s one thing I really appreciate about this author! This book is definitely more geared for adults as there are some highly sensitive issues covered in it. I love the suspense of the story and how Emma and other characters from the Notebook series make small cameo visits!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Angela Hayes

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins (aka-Kimberly Mullins) is a more ‘grown-up’ story from this talented author. It is a bit of a spin-off from her YA series, Notebook Mysteries- as Lottie (our MC here) is the niece of Emma (our MC from Notebook Mysteries). I loved this connection, as it added more interesting layers to the whole story. And I loved the more ‘grown-up’ elements, topics, and storyline.
This is an intriguing historical mystery with plenty of dramatic developments, blackmail, conspiracy, secrets, suspense, crime & investigation, political ideals of the times, steam, romance, exploring sexuality, a progressive MC, wonderful world-building, and is all based on a true-life trial. The blending of fact and fiction was so cleverly achieved by Ms. Mullins, woven into a truly believable and engrossing story. I love Emma from Notebook Mysteries, but Lottie has given her some serious competition.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Mullins does next.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, K.R. Mullins!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy Book 2) by Leon Stevens – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Second View (Book 2 of The View trilogy)The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Second View is book two of The View trilogy which is a sci fi adventure story. I really liked the first book in the trilogy and this one just as much. I love the unexpected and this is what we as readers and the characters come across.

April and Thomas continue in another adventure where everything is unknown. Another place or another time? This imaginative story will entertain whilst keeping you guessing and on your toes. I was once again drawn to Leon’s quirky and vivid imagination. He definitely has a way with words.

I can’t wait to see where Leon takes us for the next adventure.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Jenni Bishop

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ciara Blume’s Hate You Later is an original and light hearted Rom Com that will have you laughing out loud at times. It is an enemy to lover’s tale where you can’t help but fall in love with the characters.

This is my first read of this author’s work and I will certainly be reading more of her work. Her narrative flows easily and is a refreshing read.

The banter and antics of both animals and humans in the story make this feel-good tale a wonderful afternoon delight to escape the stress of the day.

I loved the snark, the claws, the chemistry and the fun and I know you will not be disappointed either. Make sure to add to your TBR list.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Curse of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 2) by Heidi Vanlandingham – Review by Jenni Bishop

Curse of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 2)Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Curse of the Elf Lord is the second book in the Kingdom of Elf Lords series. It is a wonderful romantic fantasy with lots of suspense. Heidi has incorporated and Norse mythology into this series and it enriches the intrigue. There is plenty of action and danger, magic and adventure, emotions and drama.

With elves, shifters and characters of all types, this tale will keep the pages turning just waiting to find out what is going on. Add in many twists and turns and you have a thrilling and suspenseful tale.

As I said about the first book and it also applies to this book the beautiful descriptive narrative, intricately woven threads, and great world-building leads to a tapestry of enjoyment.

I eagerly await the next book.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Jenni Bishop

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you liked KR’s Notebook Mysteries then you will like Divided Lives which is more adult themed aimed at a slightly older audience. Set in 1912 this historical tale takes us to a time so different than it is today. Where social norms are different and sexuality was a taboo topic and being Bisexual was even more frowned upon and it is because of this we see Lottie caught up in a web of deceit, lies and blackmail. This cozy mystery unfolds with a series of flashbacks and some steamy scenes.

Lottie soon finds herself looking to find the one person who thinks it is ok to expose her private life but she finds so much more.

I look forward to what comes next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Kylean Sprosty

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lottie gets caught up in blackmail that threatens to reveal her secret life. If it comes out she could lose her job as a lawyer, and she knows it’s somehow tied to an upcoming trial she is working on. But how does Rose fit in to all of this? A great spin-off from the Notebook Mystery series with Emma, Lottie follows in her aunt’s footsteps. Not letting society dictate what or who she should be, Lottie follows her own path. But will that lead to her eventual undoing?

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was definitely not sure what to expect when I decided to read this book, but I am very happy I did! I thought the author did a great job of keeping the book grounded in reality, while also adding in fantasy piece in a way that felt realistic. I absolutely adored the relationship between Hassan and his niece Kassia, they had a cute relationship and their interactions were always fun, even when there was danger present. I thought that the relationships between all of the characters were well written and getting to see the character development in Hassan and Yasmine was awesome to see. The title of the book did confuse me initially, but after reading the story and getting to see the significance between Hassan and Yasmine, I thought it was a very sweet title. I definitely couldn’t put the book down and if you like fantasy, action, and a lot if humor, this is a great book!

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Robin Rankin

Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3)

I love finding new to me authors and when I enjoy their books as much as I enjoyed this one it’s a double bonus.

I quickly connected with the story even though it’s the third book in a series. The relationship between the characters is explained easily and I was to jump on in without feeling like I was missing super important information. But I do hope I have time here soon to go back and read the rest of her catalog.

Rafael broke my heart plain and simple. He felt responsible for so much bad that has happened and because of that he wouldn’t allow himself any happiness.

Ellie is a wonderful woman and a talented jewelry artist who is finally starting to find a little bit of success even if it’s on the local level. Her feelings have been there a long time without acting which I have no idea how she held out so long.

Definitely worth the wait.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Shannen Kern

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How this is the first book I’ve read by this author I’m not sure, but it is far from the last! I fell in love with the flow of the story and was swept away quickly with the twists and turns throughout.

Lottie is our main character living in the early 1900’s and does accept the societal standards that are placed on women in her time. She feels relatable as she indulges in what she wants to do instead of what others think she should do. Although she likes her unique independence, she also holds a position as a legal clerk and works on a trial that will change her life. Will people succeed in blackmailing Lottie, bending her to their will, or will she stand her ground for what she believes is right no matter what?

I couldn’t put this down! I appreciate the information about the characters at the end of the book that helped me keep everything straight while I soaked it all in. I love mysteries and this has that and more. K.R. Mullins has quickly become an author I will look for in the future. You won’t regret picking this up, especially if you like historical events and true crime!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Elizabeth Rose

Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moby’s dad is a Marine and is deploying right before her birthday. He leaves her a present, a bamboo flute, to open after he’s gone. The flute won’t play and she is really disappointed but after a while she gives up and forgets about it. When she talks to her dad he encourages her to keep trying. She discovers the problem with the flute and this leads to her continuing to try in other areas, which is unusual for Moby because she has a habit of giving up on any kind of effort forward.

This is a cute book that opens up the opportunity to discuss many life lessons with your child or students. There are additional talking points and activities included in the back of the book. The illustrations are beautiful and are done by the author.

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Shannen Kern

Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is new to me, but I am pleasantly surprised by his whimsical writing. It didn’t take but a page to get into this book and that in and of itself is a difficult feat.

Ice Dance starts out focused on Hassan who is playing the waiting game outside of his family’s house on holiday, weighing his options of not going or just sucking it up and putting on a somewhat happy face. He is creative and not exactly what he “should” be in this world. Once Yasmine enters his life, he is smitten and wants to know more about her…but maybe more than he bargained for. Will they survive this magical world filled with danger, or are they in over their heads?

This was such a fun read for me! It made me gasp and giggle throughout the story. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what the author is up to next.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the third in the series. While this could be read as a stand alone, I really think you need to read them in order. They won’t disappoint. This novel has a lot of great character development and deals with a really well thought out storyline. There is lots of drama, romance, suspense and of course an HEA.

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by La Toya Lewis

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth stand-alone book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series by Judy Moore. Beck O’ Rourke is investigating the death of her college roommate’s father. This was the first book that I have read in this series and I greatly enjoyed Beck’s feisty personality. There was good chemistry between Beck and Devon and both the main and side characters are well-written. The plot is entertaining and there are twists that keep you on your toes. This is a very solid read. I will be going back to read the other three books.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Darla Yocom

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m such a fan for a good historical fiction book this did not disappoint. Like a great movie, the cast is made up of a group of fantastic characters, especially Lottie, Rose, Chris, & Lisette.

The overall story harbors all levels of murder, mystery, drama and the court room shenanigans reminds me of a great true-crime drama.

The plot is entertaining and the fast paced story will keep you engaged.

Another great book by this gifted author!

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Ashley Hasting

Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You have Raf. You have Ellie. They both have a crush on each other, but they don’t show it correctly to each other. Raf acts as the quiet friend, but he only does that because of his secrets. Ellie is always treated as a delicate flower ever since her parents passed away and when her brother went into the military. Raf was acting as a big brother before that, but she wants more. It’s such a good story!!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Lucy Machard

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is set in the early 1900s, following the main character as she manages her “divided” lives. Since it is the early 20th century, of course queer relationships are extremely unheard of and are definitely kept under wraps if they exist. I do love the queer romance, and as a queer person, I felt it was written very well. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book, I did, but it did seem to be moving a little bit slower. I think it took me about three days to fully finish, but then again, I have been in a reading slump. I’ll honestly probably have to go back and read it again, but I did like the writing style, and I will be on the lookout for more of this author’s books.

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Trish Ann

Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Super cute read! I could see using this in my classroom. I like the classic feel of the story particularly the illustrations. I could see this as a resource in a science unit about food chains. I really enjoy books by this author and find them useful and enjoyable.

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More Text Than Sex by Jim Shomos – Review by Jules Herbert

More Text Than SexMore Text Than Sex by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With Romance, love, plenty of sassy humorous moments and so much more this creative author brings us a truly wonderful book that will keep you captivated and turning page after page as soon as you read the first word. I loved Annie, Robbie and Cat and following along with them to see what would happen next. This book has made me a new fan of this creative author for sure! An added bonus for me personally was reading a book set in Australia.

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Trish Ann

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good story with a good plot. It was a true cozy mystery book! I’m not sure Beck and Devon work for me overall. I love coastal settings and this one reminded me a little of Murder She Wrote. I would read others in the series.

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Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 4) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Trish Ann

Defying EllaDefying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good, quick read. There were several connectable elements in the story. Ella’s relationship with her sister and history with Jared were well thought. It was also good to have mental health topics addressed in the book. I would read others by this author.

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Trish Ann

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I really liked Hudson and his relationship with Georgia. I loved the focus on pets too- animals put a good perspective in stories. You learn a lot about characters when animals are a part of it. I enjoyed the frenemies plot and thought overall the story was good. I would read more by this author.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Tausha Treadway

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins. I LOVED this book and I stayed up way too late reading it. Its the story of Lottie the grown daughter of Dora from the Notebook Mystery Series. She is an attorney and its during one of the most infamous court cases in New York. Presiding over this case is Judge John Goff and Lottie is his Court Clerk. He is very demanding and sometimes crosses lines that are for his benefit. Lottie is a successful hard working woman which is rare in these times so she is blazing ways for women. She is also a bisexual which is unheard of during this time. Throw in some blackmail against Lottie and you have a great mystery. This book is just as good and in my opinion even better than the Notebook Mystery Series which is saying a lot because I loved them as well. I hope there will be similar books in the future of this author!

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Ashley McMillon

Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a refreshing story of how to live and grow through tough times in your life. Moby gets a gift from her dad and it’s a flute that she cannot play. She ends up distraught and finally discovers the problem later on in the story. This is a really nice story and nice illustrations for children to enjoy with their parents during reading time!

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Fighting Chance by Toni Denise – Review by Diane Sennett

Fighting ChanceFighting Chance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fighting Chance was a fast-paced, entertaining read. Kendall, a journalist is on the edge of losing her job as a sports reporter. When she confides in her father, he suggests she checks out the MMA match at the gym he has trained in for her entire life. Chad, a new to MMA fighting ignites a spark in Kendall and she is motivated to get her story.
Chad is not eager to share many details about his life or why he fights, but he can’t get Kendall out of his head.
Will he persistence and his stubbornness keep them from getting together? You’ll have to read it to find out.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this historical crime with an added of the different views from our character, Lottie. By day, she is a job as a legal clerk and presents herself differently, at night…she likes to be in company with a female companion (especially at a time period when this is not acceptable in society). When a case involving a police office is present to Justice Goff, whom Lottie works for, she finds herself not only immersed in the case, but also in blackmail scheme, unknown where this is all stemming from. Lottie tries hard to keep her personal life a secret from her work life and she is trying to figure out this mystery 0f the fallout of her secret. Will Lottie find out whom is behind trying to blackmail her?

Mystery, danger and mystery all wrapped up in a very good story!

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Diane Sennett

Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer

Cari Schaeffer has written a witty, fast-paced book. The characters are beautifully written. Olivia, our chef has been dealt quite a hand in life. When life tries to bring her down, she picks herself up with the help of her close friend, Taylor. Olivia faces challenges that kept me turning the pages to find out what else could possibly happen to her. The author did a great job making me feel the joys and struggles that Olivia faced as if I was right next to her.
This book had me from the first page to the last, and I would highly recommend reading it.

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Shannon Fowler

Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This boxset contains books 4-7. Book four continues the story of the Mafia Elite. This is Elena and Marco’s story. Elena’s been in hiding but it’s time for her to rediscover her friends and family. With Marco’s help Elena learns many secrets about her past, some including Marco.

This author has given us two more sweet and sexy characters who have their own secrets, their own desires, and their own special way of handling whatever the Mafia life throws their way.

I enjoyed this story; however, I didn’t find Elena the same kind of strength as the past leading female characters, you know, her friends, Sof, Lil, and Em. El is strong in that she survived a life of secret, hidden away from family and friends, she survived many things so her strength shows through in her determination. Marco, however, shows his strength and determination in finding and saving El, more than once and every time she needs him. This author can certain write strong and sexy male characters!

Book 5 which is Ruthless Heir is the next in the reading order and as always, I read this book in one sitting, this author has a way with storytelling that makes me what to read cover to cover. I love her mafia series and this story is no different. The characters, Summer and Luc can handle anything thrown their way. Which is exactly what brings them together. First by chance and then by another chance. This is a stranger to friends to lovers kind of story. And it is pretty perfect.

“We were at a precipice. The lives we lived were over, and our next adventure had only begun.” ~Summer

This is exactly how life moves. From one adventure to the next. Childhood to adulthood. Marriage to children to empty nest. What will be your next adventure be? What adventure will this author bring to Summer and Luc?

Collateral Damage is Book 6 and all I can say is welcome back to the Mafia Elite life! This story is about Hailey and the good doctor, Trey. Even though these two have met before and the timing was off, the spark was ignited within them both. And Fate began to work her magic.

I love how “innocent” Trey seems, like he doesn’t notice all of the nurses trying to be next to him or catch his eye. How sweet he is. He wants to save everyone. He understands he can’t but he sure tries to. Even Hailey needs to be saved.

Hailey will do anything to prove to her family she isn’t a waste, to prove she is worthy. She has a crappy family, a mother who doesn’t know she’s there and a step father who is sneaky and slimy. Hailey didn’t know she needed saving until her plan backfires. It seems the good doctor is ready to save the day.

As with the rest of the series this story should be read in order and while it can be read as a standalone, reading the other books will give you a better feel for the closeness of the family.

Book 7 is called Rivals and if you have been following along with the Mafia Elite series you will know that all of the books are intertwined with the others. The action begins in the very first chapter, so hang on. This author really knows how to get things started:

A tsunami of dread rose, and I balanced precariously on the crest of the giant wave…

Mia is one tough cookie and has been a Mafia princess her entire life. But in the mafia, princess does not mean what you think it means. No birds singing, no rainbows. Mostly death, blood and betrayal.

Nico is a Mafia prince, son of the La Rosa family boss, Robert. His destiny is with the family. Life is not easy when you are in a Mafia family but happiness can be found. Sometimes in the unlikeliest of places.

This story is not for the faint of heart as there is Mafia mischief and sweet sweet revenge.

Over all this series is 5 stars with some stories and characters standing out a little more than the others.

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moby is a young lady who lives with her parents and sticks to the back of class, she doesn’t like to be noticed very much though, she finds school hard and always wants to run away and most of the time, she does. One day, just before her birthday, her dad, who is a marine has to leave on a tour and is going to miss her party, but he gives her a gift and asks her to open it on her birthday, she promises she will and waves him off.

Her birthday arrives and she opens her gift, it is a beautiful bamboo flute, but when Moby tries to play it, it doesn’t work, its broken, so when she speaks to her dad, she complains and he says to just try harder, but she gives up like she has done many tomes before.

Time passes and Moby’s next birthday comes around, but her dad doesn’t send her anything and it makes her sad, so she looks for the abandoned flute and picks it back up, but when it still doesn’t work, she wants to find out why, this is when she finds a letter from her dad and it changes her perspective on the flute completely.

What lesson can Moby learn from the flute her dad gave her and will she learn from it in the end? This is a story of love, hard work and perseverance and that you should never give up on your dreams.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next in the future for them. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that you don’t want to miss. They had me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning pages fast. A fast paced story where one girl’s determination means danger and could mean death. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. There is great growth with them as well as the plot. It made the story easy and entertaining to read. A hard to put down story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner