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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Susan Ratchford

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The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Man In Black
By: L. R. Liverpool
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

Admittedly at first I was intimidated by the sheer size of this book, that all changed once I started to read The Man In Black. The visuals were stunning and the emotions were beyond gripping! I absolutely loved how she split the book into three segments. It helped with the overall length and flow of the story! It really helps you grasp the changes and struggles Fenimore James or should I say Simon Shaw goes through! The tone was also wonderful, it goes beyond being transported back to the old west. I truly felt like I was sitting around a campfire listening to him tell me his life story, both the ups and the downs. Almost like listening to stories from your grandparents! It was absolutely mesmerizing! I could picture every scene, every outfit, as if I was in the saloon! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by Ms. Liverpool! I highly recommend giving this book a try!

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No Amends by Angela Lam – Review by Betsy Melano

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No AmendsNo Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A psychological thriller full of suspense, some really dark moments and so much more. A bit out of my comfort zone but really liked the book. The author did a great job of world and character building, and overall a fantastic book that kept my interest. Keeping a secret from a loved one can make them feel shame, guilt and so much more. The way the characters react and process the situation shows how well the author connected to the story.

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No Amends by Angela Lam – Review by Ayla Phipps

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No AmendsNo Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love is like business. This is the first book I have read by the talented Angela Lam and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. That said it somehow was the perfect book for this Friday the thirteenth. Told from the dual perspectives of Tang and Dee we are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, revelations, and mysteries in this quick read.
Tang is a writer, and real estate agent when not writing. Fourteen months earlier she was in San Franscisco for a writers’ conference when everything changed. Her original concept was denied time and time again but a chance encounter at a local restaurant changed everything. Dee a sales rep for a start-up tech company in New York is in San Franscico on business and visiting her twin brother Chris when she meets Tang. Making a comment about being the luckiest to Tang changed both of their lives. That simple moment gave Tang a new concept for her book and the next morning she lands a literary agent. Dee is full of secrets and lies. Starting with a slip of the memory by her brother on her name and a knee jerk answer about losing her son in childbirth there was no end to the lies Dee spun for herself with Tang. Everything was going too well but something was off, one intrusive thought to check Dee’s purse reveals her real name and begins the web of lies being untangled. Tang thought she had it all, the perfect girlfriend, Layla, but a chance encounter and a dark desire she couldn’t deny led to a journey of realization she never could have predicted.
Whose car went off Hangman’s Bluff? How could everything start with something as simple as a name? While the world the story is based on is reality the characters are relatable in every sense, even to the extreme in some cases to people in the world. Sometimes the world seems to give you everything, giving you chances to be honest and open, but what happens when you don’t take those moments? What happens when you continue to build on the shaky supports of lie upon lie? I didn’t know what to expect with this book, it seemed interesting and under two hundred pages was a quick suspense for a spooky day. The thoughts I was left with had me ready to go in search of my next Angela Lam book as soon as possible.

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series Book 4) by Winter Austin – Review by Kristin Boutelle

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

The author hooks you into the story within the first couple of pages. I definitely love how the author uses the previous books in the series in regards to the characters and how they developed from their story into this one. I would recommend reading the series in order as they were written to get a better feel for what’s going on. There is a lot going on and I like how I got to know the sheriff and Liza, and to see how they both grew character wise in the story.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Darla Yocom

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The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool

I absolutely loved the innocent and quite naive young man, Fenimore James from the get go. He’s lived his young life in one place in the comfort of his parent’s home yet he wants more. He wants the life described in books or the papers. He’s dreamed of leaving his home, living life in the road, embarking on one journey after another, meeting new people yet feels something is holding him back. His name. At his core he feels his name is not a true fit and does not represent who he really is.

This incredible story finds Fen bravely choosing to leave home, Along the way he joins in with a group or gang of folks and changing his name. As most often do, he finds himself questioning his decision of leaving his hometown and every decision made since he left.

When he finds members of his gang being murdered he finds himself perplexed. Then dealing with his internal personal feelings about someone close he struggles.

Mystery, struggle, murder, romance and life’s many perplexities makes this complex story a winner in my eyes. I cannot wait to see what else the author had in store in the future.

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The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Podcast ChroniclesThe Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think may women can identify with Sue Cleary. She’s a wife, mom, raising 4 boys (2 are away at college, 2 are still at home), and trying to find where she belongs in this world. She’s trying to soak up all the precious minutes she has left with her two youngest boys before they leave the nest and that brings a new perspective to Sue’s life. What point does her life serve once her boys are gone? She’s been a successful CPA before she and the hubby decided to settle down and start a family.

A magazine article catches Sue eye and lights a fire in her belly when she learns about a developer wanting to turn the beautiful land of Durango, Colorado, into an amusement style park. So many things just don’t set right with her about this but she’s really not sure what to do about it. Her son mentions that she should start a podcast about her thoughts and, while she has no experience in that area, she decides to give it a try. Along the way, she forms friendships with 2 very strong willed women who stand with her in their plight to take down this developer and save the land that they care so much about.

This was very well written and focuses on the powers of strong women and friendship. I found this book to be very inspiring and empowering. There are several issues that are overcome through the bonds formed in this trio of women.

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Kristin Boutelle

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

I love how the author incorporates information from the previous books. It all seems to flow very well and the story is very well thought out. The main character’s growth, especially Jolie’s, is very noticeable. The characters are very relatable. Once I started this book, it was very difficult to put down. There is a lot going on at the same time, not just focusing on the crime at hand. The story does flow seamlessly and is very easy to follow.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed this tale. Right as the book starts, it pulls you into the action and mystery regarding our hero Mia’s cat, Gumshoe, her familiar. I had not read book one prior to reading book two, but I felt like the author did enough of a recap, I was able to figure out what had happened in book two, without it feeling forced. I do definitely want to check out book one to see how it enhances this story. I thought the author tackled some really tough issues in this novel and again did it smoothly and in an engaging manner. I felt the story was fast paced, full of suspense and twists, and action. Mia was a great heroine who is working hard to help Gumshoe discover his past, finding herself and her path, all the while getting involved in mysteries and murder. I absolutely recommend this book for both teens and adults.

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The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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We need a second book!!
I am so invested in what is going on in Sue’s life and am eager to see it continue on.
Everything that goes on and through women’s minds as they journey through life is here: working Mom vs. Stay at home Mom, what to do when your kids grow up, not following the same path as divorced parents, not jumping into new relationships, making adult friends, chauvinists, working in male dominated fields.
It’s ALL here and discussed.

A great reminder that life is what YOU make it, to stand up for what you believe in, to never stop growing/learning and always tell your loved ones how you feel.

I am hoping for a sequel for sure!

Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Ayla Eddy

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

An adorable holiday romance based around Christmas. The author writes the story that easily paints the words into a movie in your mind. Following Holly as she collected the Cheer to power the North Pole was delightful. She was easy to connect with and care about. The other main character Ash was also easy to connect with. Reading the romance between the two main characters made for a sweet holiday romance. A great weekend read!

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Sins of the Father
By: Winter Austin

Once again Winter Austin delivers a fantastic suspenseful novel from McIntire County. I have to say that each one of this series is better than the next. I am truly loving these characters and this county. As always, Winter Austin combines wonderful complex characters with a thrilling plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Jolie is a fantastic character, she is new deputy who seems to be facing the most curious case she has ever seen. Xavier is a man who definitely has seen more than his fair share of difficulties. And it seems that those difficulties are definitely not ending. In this book, Winter Austin continues to tackle the subject of veterans who come home with more than they bargained for. I completely feel that she is doing an amazing job at crafting these stories. I am truly loving these and each one is giving me more and more reasons why Winter Austin is becoming one of my favorite authors!

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What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Michelle Troyer

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What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women's Fiction (Bold Journeys Book 2)What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again the author discusses a subject not really talked about. Sexual harassment from a female to a male is often a touchy subject. The book is fast paced and the author has done her research on the subject. i really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next book.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by La Toya Lewis

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

Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider is such a fun Christmas story. This is book 1 of the Emerald Hollow series. We follow Holly Claus as she comes to Emerald Hollow to figure out why it has such an abundance of cheer. In the process, she meets Ash Hayes who is trying to build up his tourism business. These two are so sweet together and it is obvious they have a spark from their first meeting. It is clear these two are made for each other but there are obstacles. I really enjoyed this story. It has such a Hallmark movie feel, that has you ready for Christmas movies, crackling fires, and hot chocolate. I loved the whole new spin on the North Pole and Santa Claus. The world-building took me by surprise. I expected the same ole same. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read book 2.

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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 Michelle Collier

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

I am never disappointed when I read a story of this author. This story was very compelling. Jacob has been made a guardian of Vanessa. All he wants is to marry her off, that is until he spends time with her. She is everything that he does not want yet he can’t fight his feelings. This story is full of deception and secrets. There is even a ghost. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Killer Smile by Allan Evans

Killer Smile is a Crime/Thriller with a bit of suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat turning the pages while trying to piece it all together. This is a new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out Killer Blonde as well. The attention to detail and relatable characters makes for a suspenseful story. This is a wonderfully written story about a race against time to find the serial killers. Detective Cade has found a dark website for serial killers and it seems he’s on the list and is being targeted. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im already looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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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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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Kerry Baker

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a lovely, entertaining and heartwarming cozy mystery this book turned to be. The book is a well written mystery that they author has taken the time to develop properly. It builds as each page goes on and I loved watching it all unravel to reveal who was behind it all.
The characters really made this book for me though. I thought the author had introduced a fantastic set of characters who all added to the story in their own way. Everyone played a role and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them. Although this a still a relatively new author to me, I am really starting to enjoy getting to know her writing style. I have enjoyed every book so far and I am sure the next one will be no different.

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The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Kerry Carr

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The Podcast ChroniclesThe Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really enjoyable women’s Fiction read. This story had me captivated from the beginning. I really felt for our leading lady Sue. With her children growing up and leaving home she is left with “empty nest syndrome ” she finds herself questioning her worth and wondering what she has left now her children have left. She is so used to playing the role of mother and wife that without being a mother she now feels lost and without purpose.
That is until she sees that a developer is wanting to build a theme park in her little village. Sue has now found something that she is passionate about again and that is stopping the theme park being built. As we follow this story we see Sue regain her passion and drive as she starts a podcast to get the community to come together against the developer. However it’s not that simple, with political opposition, the developers money and a troll, how can Sue stand against such forces who are determined to ruin her village.
Does Sue stand any chance of stopping the theme park being built? With all her energy and effort being focused on this mission what is the effect going to be on her family?

This story really spoke to me as my own child is getting older and I know I will find myself in a similar position that Sue is in and will need to find something to fill the gap that being a mum makes. I was inspired by her fight and determination to stand up for something she believes in and not to back down no matter the odds against her.

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute book! I got it thinking that my 8 year old would like it. She loved the pictures and such, but it was super easy for her. This book is better for younger kids. I’d say this is a 1st library type book for kindergarten and younger. This book follows a mother and her son Kingston. Kingston loves dogs. While on walks and such with his mother they always look at the dogs around town. His mother points out the different ones and any new dogs they haven’t seen before. It’s their little game while out and about. One day his mom shows him a cat, but Kingston thinks it’s just a different type of dog. After his mom shows him a few different animals he thinks that they are playing a game. Mom will call the critter something other than a dog and Kingston will yell dog! You can tell that the mother is worried throughout the book about this. By the end of the book she has showed him animals from hamsters to elephants to a fox. I loved this book. Even though it was easy for my daughter we enjoyed the story and looking at all the animals. So many different types of dogs and I thought that the fox was adorable! Grab this book to read with your little one! You are sure to love it!!

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Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6)Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story. Where is Aunt Vera? I felt like I was following right there with Aunt Vera. That crazy cat was giving me goosebumps. It was a fantastic story and an amazing mystery to solve. I loved the romance with her and Rick (though it doesn’t seem that she keeps them long). It is still a very fun series that sucks you in with each story. I do believe that this is my favorite so far. I love the suspense the is there throughout the whole thing. I can’t wait for the next one.

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Pharoah’s Forgery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Pharaoh's Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time for a trip to Mexico. Seems like trouble followed. I loved this trip and reading about the trouble that followed. The characters are quite entertaining as well as exciting as I try to figure out the mystery. Again, the author does a wonderful job with her writing I was fully engaged and dove into the story. This has been a terrific series so far.

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Dawn Mitchell

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has alot going on and will definitely keep your interest. Lady Anna is put through hell and back but still seems to show everyone how strong she can be and a woman can run a village. This book has devastation, torture, and romance, so be prepared for a whirlwind.

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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2023

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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: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE this book. The illustrations are gorgeous and of course you can’t go wrong with a girl who loves to fix things. Lois Wickstrom did an amazing job of telling the story of a young girl and her alien friend who get stuck doing chores for another alien. The turning point is when Shirl problem solves a way to fix the aliens ship engine successfully. After completing the task and finishing the chores Shirl is rewarded with a ship of her own. This is a great children’s book – especially for girls to read.

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Amelia Stansell

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was really good. It’s a fantasy romance. Anna was living in a terrible arranged marriage. Lord Roger was the best at belittling Anna. Larkin is a ladies man, he likes to go from one to the other. Once he lays eyes on Anna everything changes for him.

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Diamonds & Deception (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery, #3)Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another winning installment in this fun cozy series, yes, I said fun. I like murder type cozies. They are fun to solve and generally have action and suspense. This author has a way of writing that brings you all in to the story and she also uses themes with each book. This was another story that I just jumped right into. I couldn’t put it down. I loved everything about it.

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Fatal Legislation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2)Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow!! I love how she grabbed me and threw me right into the story this time. Let’s jump right in and join the walk with her and Senator, who is probably having a heart attack. This story was intense and wonderful. I love these mysteries. This one had me right in there trying to figure it out with her. The story and writing is engaging and exciting.

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Isabella’s Painting (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating first book in the series. It’s fun and quite entertaining. Our protagonist has her own set of challenges to deal with while she, somehow, ends up solving mysteries. I love that she’s not a detective and this isn’t her primary job. She somehow has the resources to solve the case. What I didn’t know is that this is based on a true case. I loved the author’s writing. This is a story that grabs you right from the start and you can’t put the book down. A definite must read.

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