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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Amber Poole

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book touched me on such a deep level. As an African American woman with a multicultural family that I’m still learning about, going in Lizbeths journey with her resonated with me. What I enjoyed most is that she didn’t shy away from her families past. Although that would have been the easiest route. Family trauma is hard to repair and it’s not easy. What touched me even more was learning about the Author. I am so impressed with this book.

Both sides of my family have ties to the south. Both sides are multicultural. A lot of our history is lost and there are many questions that may never be answered. After reading this story I’m going to keep trying. Maybe I’m my discoveries I can bring some healing and understanding to my family as well.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Gillian Fawell

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always been a history buff and loved reading historical fiction but I must admit as an Australian my knowledge of the American Civil War is somewhat limited. That being said, this story provided so much historical (and other) information, it helped me to learn a great deal. It stirred my interest so that I was Googling any terms I didn’t know (as a foreigner) and also looking up recipes for some of the dishes mentioned!
And Lizbeth, the main character is so passionate about social justice and equality, just like me – although I must admit she’s braver than I am! Definitely a great book to read and I would recommend it!

 

Review by @sparkinside

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Melissa Collins

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed stories that are second coming of age and this was one of them. The main character has to start all over and decides to seek solace in a new state but instead she finds a new adventure.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Jacque Flynn

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kirsa spends three years the victim of brutal abuse from her peers with no support from her parents or the school. While her relationship with Rylan is what starts her healing, her relationship with Brock is a myriad of emotions. Whether you like Brock or not, the author writes with such strong language that you can’t help but feel those strong emotions. I spent the entire book wanting to scream at the lack of support system for Kirsa and I kept wondering how the poor girl will heal without years of therapy. She used football to keep her sane and there are many football references throughout the book, though the majority of the book is the relationship between Brock and Kirsa.

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Daryian Lucas

Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Books like these always pull on my heartstrings and make me wish I grew up in a small town. This is a slow burn, clean romance, but a mature one. There’s some hunting at sexual stuff but no details. CC and Brant couldn’t be a better couple. I love everyone else in the town as well. I especially love that CC has friends that don’t let her make bad decisions. This is book 3 but can definitely be read as a stand alone.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Brittany Angel

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lizbeth Gordon is a school counselor who experiences a major life event when her husband unexpectedly dies. She decides to leave Washington where she has spent the last 20 years to return home to South Carolina. There, while trying to navigate the loss of her husband and her children’s grief in the loss of their father she uncovers a possible family member lost during the reconstruction of Charleston. This sends her on a journey to discover her roots and uncover family secrets.

This multi-generational novel was a wonderful read. I really appreciated the multiple POV and how fast paced it was without rushing. I enclosed Lizbeth’s and her family story the more I read. I wish there was a follow up!

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon- Review by Lauren West

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating story! Lizbeth was such a strong and intelligent woman. Losing her husband, and being alone she finds solace in researching about her family’s culture and history. The information she stumbles upon takes her on journey of self exploration as well as opens her eyes to her ancestors lives before her. The emotions that she experiences as she finds out intimate family history, and secrets that were unexpected are intense. This is such a good story that spoke to me on many levels, and something I felt easily able to relate to.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Sunday Barnaby

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

States of Grace: A Grace Locke Mystery by Mandy
Miller
Five Stars
This is my first read of 2022, and I can tell you that I started this year out with a Big Bang. For a debut book this author hit this one out of the park. This book if full of action. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. Grace Locke is a gritty lawyer/veteran who has been through some hard times. This author has really brought Grace to life and the story is so detailed it made me feel like I was right there with Grace chasing down the truth. I look forward to reading a lot more Grace Locke books in the future. Now, if I can just keep five star reading picks up for the rest of this year I will be in beaver.
Review by @sunbarn

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Skylar Daniels

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series has been incredible so far and I couldn’t wait to read this next book in the series. I was drawn immediately as I were the last 2 books. I quickly remembered what has been going on and the path this story has taken. Tasha and Levi have gone through so much throughout the years. Along the way, they have made many allies and enemies. This book introduces us many new characters, but there are also many secondary characters that are returning from previous books. There is plenty of action and suspense. The author does such a wonderful job with hitting you with a shock when you least expect it and then does it again and again. I love this in a book, this series! I could not put this book down!

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Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate Book 3) by Sylvia Black – Review by Skylar Daniels

Master TrentinoMaster Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a delicious, dark, paranormal romance. With vampires, shifters, witches, conspiracy, hidden agendas, an underworld society, politics, the supernatural, magic, danger, tension, intrigue, drama, emotion, fantastic world-building, twits, dramatic turns. This is a book that could be read as a standalone, but as there are interconnected details, as well as recurring characters that are recurring from the books before. I really recommend reading the other two books, so you know what has happened previously, as they contain information that I feel would help you to better appreciate this book, and the series as a whole.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by stephanie nicole

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just simply amazing. I picked this book purely because of its beautiful cover and synopsis, but I had no idea what I was in for. Full of drama, deception, secrets, and a woman who just wants to put her life back together, this book was just full of twists and turns. Lizbeth is facing her worst nightmare, and the secrets that follow it could be her undoing. But when she moves back home she uncovers more family secrets, including some about a family slavery connection that she would rather not explore. Full of wonderful characters, a complex and intriguing plot, and more, I definitely recommend you pick up this book today.

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Master Tuscano (Masters of the Consulate Book 2) by Sylvia Black – Review by Erica Banes

Master Tuscano: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 2)Master Tuscano: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in this series just gets better. Im glad I started reading this series. Overall its a easy read that you can fall into. Great characters and great story. A must read series.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Erica Fish

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harriet Cannon is a new author to me. Her storytelling is a refreshing read. Her story plot keeps my attention from the first page until the last page. Her characters are realistic. This story is about Lizbeth. She is looking for some relief after her husband’s death at the family cottage. Then her aunt spoiled that for her with the story of her ancestors. Her stories had Lizbeth seeking across the continents and finding herself a job in Rio de Janeiro. Will she find the answers she is looking for? Can her past secrets be healed by her family’s path and healing? I highly recommend this book. It is an emotional read so make sure you have kleenex close by.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Amy Brennan

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I couldn’t tell you if it’s due to the fact that my family and I just lost one of our own just before Christmas, or if it’s because I needed a reflective novel to occupy my thoughts, but this author really did accomplish just that. I allowed myself to feel that despair, and with that, the loss that one feels not only from losing the person, but to have to try and figure out how you can move forward. Not everyone is the same, and Lizbeth really brings forward some of the emotions and inabilities I must let go of things that we (I) cannot change. The novel definitely takes a positive turn as our main characters dig deeper into their own family history, mixing some brilliant history into the mix for those of us that aren’t as educated in US History, or at least wasn’t the focal, that made the story even more intriguing.

The reason I rated this four stars rather than the five I do believe it could achieve, is that I do personally prefer to be reading from a first person narrative, and find the switching between characters to be a little sudden at times. However, the third person narrative, the world building and the sense of peace the reader gets from her writing style is spot on. I am thinking a reread will be in the cards once I have my own loss sorted out. Great debut novel, I do recommend a read!

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Cami Hammond

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blindsided is the perfect name for this book because that is how it left me….completely blindsided. I wasn’t prepared for the roller coaster of emotions that overtook me. This book had me smiling and laughing one minute then angry and literally crying in the next. I was drained emotionally at the end but in the best possible way. The characters were on point. Kirsa is so loyal and strong, Rylan, sweet Rylan stole my heart completely, and Brock… well I have a love/hate relationship with him. I would 100% recommend this book. I hope there will be another book with these characters. I need more!! I finished this book in three hours time because I couldn’t put it down!

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Master Descallia (Masters of the Consulate Book 1) by Sylvia Black – Review by Erica Banes

Descallia: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 1)Descallia: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was skeptical at first glance, The cover got to me. After reading it though it was good. There are times I was like “meh” but it really was a good book overall. I’ll be reading the next book in the series. Glad I started reading it. If your looking for a series I recommend this one for sure.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Shannon Fowler

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This genre, women’s historical fiction, isn’t new to me even though this author is. This author has a very easy writing style. I found this story very entertaining and rich in history. It was also informative with just enough history that I didn’t skip pages like I might have during my history class in high school.

Lizbeth is the main character and she is a curious busy body, in my opinion. Which helps while she is discovering all there is to learn about her ancestors. Her good intentions make her an easy character to love. Following Lizbeth on her adventure to discover the truth about her family is far from easy, as racism is never easy.

Take a chance on this book and you may just find a new author to one click as well.

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It takes tragedy striking for Lizbeth Gordon to seek out more information on her ancestors. She knew her family hailed from the Charleston area but didn’t really know much more than that. This is a story of how she went about tracking down information on her family with the added bonus of a fortuitous meeting of distant relatives when she takes a new job in Rio de Janeiro. Can she find information on all of them? Will her relatives be happy to help or wish she’d leave it all alone?

This was an enjoyable read! Having lived in South Carolina for 4 years, it was fun to know exactly where Lizbeth was driving to, visiting, and living. I enjoyed learning about the Gordon family, and the Civil War. The author did a wonderful job of including letters and then following it up with what was going on around the time it was written. The characters were all wonderful, relatable, and extremely brave. This is a great historical/contemporary read!

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lizbeth Gordon suddenly becomes widowed and has to explain to her twin boys that she is in debt. Dependable, reliable, financially secured dead husband ends up that he had a gambling problem. Influenced by best friend and cousin who comes to visit and offer moral support. She decides to move back to her hometown to start anew. Now she is hooked onto her families drama.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blindsided by T. Christensen

5-stars

This was an incredible enemy to lovers read, the bully romance genre is not my usual go too but I’m so glad I picked this book up!

This storyline had me captivated from the very beginning and didn’t let up until the very end. I was so consumed by these characters and all the emotions throughout. I found myself really connecting with Kirsa and feeling all of her emotions as I read, which certainly made for an entertaining read as she battles with the push and pull of her attraction to Brock and of course the betrayal, hurt, anger, attraction etc.

I’ve only read two books by this author but with each one I was blown away, I will be diving in and reading everything by this author asap! I just can’t get enough of her writing!!

If you are looking for an all-consuming love story look no further, this is the book for you!

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Tausha Treadway

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blindsided by T. Christensen. I have loved this series and even though they are directed to young adults I as a 52 year old woman enjoy them a lot. Its the story of Kirsa and Brock who have grown up together since they were toddlers. They have been best friends forever doing everything together. During elementary school they went from a twosome to a threesome when Victoria the new girl entered their friendship. Growing up Brock and Victoria became the popular kids while Kirsa was left behind. Kirsa is super shy and doesn’t like attention so Brock always was her protector until 11th grade. Something happened and Kirsa and Victoria were at odds and Brock took Victoria’s side. End of threesome back to twosome only without Kirsa. After the friendship fall out Kirsa endured tons of bullying and had a very hard time. When a new guy named Rylan starts school and tries to befriend Kirsa she is hesitant at first but finally gives in. When she’s with Rylan it reminds her of when she and Brock were friends before Victoria. Will they continue to be friend and maybe more or will Brock crush it?

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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Amanda Swindle

Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This reads so easily, after going through our very own pandemic. Kendra Griffin takes you on a whirlwind of different elements with Apocalypse Thoughts, with her characters and the world she builds for you. I think what I loved the MOST about this book is the main character. The not quite yet adult, Kella leads the serious story with lighthearted humor that had me laughing and relating all at once. She is a sassy no-nonsense type of girl that we can all relate to, or have known someone like her. The life of the party, even when there is no party. Her traveling party add into the fun/adventures that await them. This book has everything you would expect from an Apocalyptic time, with action and duress, complications and twists all around. This is like modern day Covid meets The Walking Dead, but not too scary (think more in terms of a teen read than a full on scary zombie book). I started this book yesterday afternoon, and writing up my finished review less than 24hrs later. I couldn’t put it down! I have not read the other books prior to this, so it can easily be read on its own, but I will be going back and adding the others to my must read list. Overall, this is a 5 out of 5-star book.
Reviewed By: @zoltrixes

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Chrissy Spulak

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a budding genealogist, I must say this book was wonderful. I thrive on the retelling of family tales (good or bad), and never pass up an opportunity to tell or listen to one. History and great story-telling combine in this book to bring Lizbeth Gordon’s family to life as we navigate hard truths along with her. After her husband dies, she travels home and ends up researching her family’s past. Then, her work takes her to Rio de Janeiro and the people she meets along the way help her piece together the puzzle of her ancestors. I seriously devoured this book, and it has inspired me to continue on in the research of my own family’s past. Also, this book is rich in multicultural perspectives and lessons in diversity and is a great eye-opener. Highly recommend it!

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Megan Watson

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fabulous wrap up to the Shadow Chronicles. I’m really hoping the author keeps writing in this world outside of the Tasha and Levi story because there is a lot to offer through the characters of this series. At first, I was a little confused with the new additions narrated in the prologue, but after reaching the end…. I think it’s brilliant!
This book picks up where the last one left off so this book really isn’t a stand-alone; however, each book keeps you hooked and the spicy scenes are definitely rated on the higher level of the alphabet. Just like Kimber, I dream of having something so passionate one day.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Jessica Heatherly

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Exiled South is such a refreshing read and different from any book I’ve read. The lengths Lizbeth goes to to find out more about her family tree is truly astounding. The sudden death of her husband turns her world completely upside down but allows her the opportunity to research more into her past. Even her short-term trip to South America answers questions she’s had her entire life. The author does an amazing job painting the landscape of each scene in this novel, it’s as if I was standing next to Lizbeth watching her journey as she made it.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Corine Lombardi-Quiles

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a refreshing read.
It gave you the ok into the life of a widow and I related to her as a mother and wife trying to find peace.
I loved the focus of history that the novel takes.
Anything war wins my vote and this really becomes a story of finding your truth and peace.
It is light and enjoyable with facts thrown in any just the right times to keep you hooked.
I can not imagine the pain of a widower but I connected to the story and the main character.
This has a feeling of solace that you feel within the story of family and how your past can define you and shape you, or not.
This will definitely become a reread and I recommend this as a book club read.
Light but intense at the same time. So well crafted.

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King of Pain (Interstellar Rescue Series Book 5) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by Tausha Treadway

King of Pain (Interstellar Rescue Series Book 5)King of Pain by Donna S. Frelick

King of Pain (Interstellar Rescue Series Book 5) by Donna S. Frelick. This was a fun book to read, I’m not a huge Sci Fi fan but I really enjoyed this story. It was the 5th book in the series and I believe it really helps to read them in order. This is the story of Trevyn Dar who is part of the Interstellar Rescue System and when he meets Lael sparks fly. Unkown to him Lael is determined to set her people free from slavery and they don’t hit it off on their first meet. Lael is also wanting to avenge her fathers death. Lael thinks Trevyn is her enemy and wants nothing to do with him. Can Lael and Trevyn get past their past lives to make a relationship work? There are broken hearts, broken promises, adventure, challenges and steamy scenes throughout this book. Old characters are immersed in the story as well. Such a fun series and this was one of my favorites. Do yourself a favor and read The Interstellar Rescue Series!

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Unlikely in Love (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Jenny See

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Parker Lake Series, but it can be read as a standalone. I loved this book! It’s a beautiful story about two slightly broken people helping each other heal and falling in love. Annie who just lost her Grandmother (the person who raised her) and Wyatt who recently returned home from three tours overseas and is having trouble adjusting. Can Wyatt and Annie move past their issues and be together? Read this book and find out!

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Jenny See

Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Parker Lake series, although it can be read as a standalone. This is CC and Brant’s story. Brant is working in Parker Lake at the clinic for three years to get his student loans paid off. CC thinks Brant is out of her league, after she finds out he’s not, she thinks he’ll leave when his time at the clinic is up. Brant has to choose between staying in Parker Lake or going back to the city to be closer to his mom, who recently had a health scare. These books keep getting better and better as the series go on. I love catching up on the characters from the other books and learning more about them. I can’t wait for Karen’s story!

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Dawn Brown

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are two demons in New Orleans. One runs a dating app for the supernatural. The other is giving lectures on how to be intimate without the sex. When they start to undermine each other’s business, one goes to the devil for a deal. Things go haywire from there.
Opinion
This is the sixth book in the series but only the first one I have read. I enjoyed it so much, I plan on going back and reading the first five. I had no problems while reading this as a stand alone. I presume that some of the couples in the book are from previous books.
The book itself was a fabulous, laugh a minute ride. Every chapter was jam packed with hilarious happenings. The conversations between the two demons were full of animosity that would make you chuckle. I truly enjoyed this book.

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