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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Carrie Reed

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars!

This is not my usual genre, most of the time I don’t really put too much credence into thoughts like this, but throughout this whole book I really starting seeing things in a new light. I am officially on board to finding my magic! There are so many different ways to finding the magic within yourself and implementing it in your everyday life. What really stuck out to me was, “Do one thing each day that makes you happy.” and “That’s how magic works: dream it up, then work towards it.” Both are very simple and easy tasks that I can handle and make work for me in my life. One thing that really opened my eyes was the story of the ladybug stuck in the spider web. I would have never thought of the “synchronicity” of the situation like the author did and it really made me start to think about the little signals or signs I receive in my life. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend giving it a read, it will seriously change your outlook on creating magic in your life.

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King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells – Review by Carrie Reed

King Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #6)King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars!

Excellent ending to the Dark Sparrow series. I was happy to finally get to see what was going on with Lazarus and to see if he would get his own happily ever after. As with the first five books in the series, this author really has a way with getting you hooked. Sasha is such a strong and independent woman, and she seems like just the right type of woman that Lazarus would need by his side. The trauma she has to go through while being held captive and then fighting Jamison alongside everyone else makes her truly awesome to me. Lazarus, like all his brothers before, acts like Sasha needs protected and can’t defend herself, and I know it is all for fear of losing her, but we know she is a total baddie and could handle anything that is thrown at her. I wish the ending was a little more dramatic, but I was very satisfied especially with the epilogue.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Colleen Noyes

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For me this book was even better than the first book. I really connected with Enzo and Sofia. This book had suspense, intrigue, a lot of action, and also gives a little history into the relationship going back to when they were six and eight years old. I enjoyed how the sub characters that were in book one were also in book 2 and that as each book goes you can see the intense camaraderie that flourishes. This author does a great job at storytelling hitting all of the right notes and bringing you completely into the fold. This is my first mafia series and it has not let me down I can’t wait to see all of the secrets come out one by one because throughout the series so far there definitely are several that leave you with your mouth hanging open and on the edge of your seat I love how this authors mind works. Now onto book 3.

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Kissing Darkness (Dark Spell Series Book 5) by Isra Sravenheart – Review by Shelly Kittell

Kissing Darkness (Dark Spell #5)Kissing Darkness by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hell is about to break loose. The battle of dark and light. Can Isra and Astrid be saved? This was an intense story. I have followed this series and it has not failed to keep me intrigued. The characters are intense and relatable. The struggles are real (yes, cliche but true) but you can feel their pain. Life is a battle of good and evil. Can Samuel get to them to avoid this battle breaking out? It gets tense. There’s drama, romance, mystery, and adventure. I can’t tell you more but I can tell you to read this book. Shoot, read the series. You’ll laugh, tear up, and feel the whole gamut of emotions. I highly recommend you do.

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is one of my favorites. Her characters are strong, well-written and the story is always driven with a KAPOW climactic ending. This series does not fail. You get sucked in at the beginning with the action and just don’t want to leave. This mafia family is twisted and all these guys want is to get out. You can’t help but find yourself rooting for them. They go through some pretty tough challenges but will their love make it? You are going to have to read it to find out. This is one series that will keep you active and involved. Highly recommend. I would give it more than 5 if I could.

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Shelly Kittell

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was so good and a heart breaker at the same time. They both had gone through some of life’s tough challenges and had come out a little rough on the other side and then more crap was coming but he decided to be on her side. I found myself tearing up several times, smiling and rooting for them several times. An emotional story that will suck you in and you want to know how it turns out. The characters are relatable and the plot just won’t let you go. It’s a story that could happen anywhere around us. I would definitely recommend it. I want to read more from this author. Loved this book.

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the most fascinating stories I’ve read this year. I enjoyed the way it was told. The story stretched out as it was over the years added to the mystery. The characters were so realistic and relatable that it felt like I was reading a biography of a war journal. A very well-written and well done novel that many who love adventure, mystery and romance might enjoy. You have got to read this book. It will be a wonderful treat.

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The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) by Deborah Dugan – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The TravelerThe Traveler by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this sci-fi adventure story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed her writing style and attention to details. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters and the adventure they took me on. They are relatable and keep the story engaging. This is a faster paced story that was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen on the next page. This is a story about a traveler that the further they go the more knowledge is gained along with emotions such as anger, joy and love. It is a great story that you don’t know what will happen until it does. I highly recommend this book, it is a great pick up.

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Review by @bjwagner

Piasa (Legends Series Book 3) by Maggie Adams – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Piasa (Legends, #3)Piasa by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous books to help enhance not only your enjoyment of this series but also this author. I enjoy this author’s writing style as well as her attention to details. Her stories are realistic and hard to put down. This book is no different. This is a well written story about Delta and Jackson. She is a shop owner and shaman and is about to take an adventure of her life. He thinks that he has returned home to die until he meets her. This is where the story takes on soul mates, secrets and destiny. You don’t want to miss what happens next with these two. They are great strong characters that are creative and made the story come to life. They pulled me into the story and took me on a nonstop adventure. This is a great book that is worth the pick up for sure. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Colors of Darkness by Feather Chelle – Review by Shelly Kittell

Colors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity BookColors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity Book by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book. As a vision impaired person, I found it be quite helpful and entertaining to use with my grandson. We loved the descriptions of items in the book such as popcorn and babies. The activities started many interesting conversations. A wonderful resource that we will use again because it was nice to actually use these activities to learn and have family time. I love finding books that the author helps people become aware of other’s abilities. Thanks for sharing! Highly recommend.

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in this series which is just as awesome as the previous two books. I highly suggest reading the previous two books to help your enhancement of this series. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. Her books are well written and her attention to details just makes her stories pop. This book is no different. I was pulled into the story by the characters from the beginning. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. This is a faster paced story that is full of action and romance. Stefano has a destiny of being kind. He is biding his time just waiting for that to happen, not only is he waiting for that but also for the woman he loves to be by his side. Emiliana fell in love with the one man who is off limits to her. As their relationship grows so do the enemies. How far will he go to keep her safe and at his side? I loved their growth and chemistry throughout the story. They truly made the story fun and entertaining to read. I also loved the growth of the plot that kept me wanting to know more. This is a must read and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells – Review by Kelli Harper

King Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #6)King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FIVE STARS
Lazarus is the man to end his father. After many many years of destruction, deceit, lies and so many other things. But keeping Sasha away and keeping her out of his mind and heart are proving to be impossible.
This book is full of suspense and tension. It is a fabulous read. I have never read any of the other books in the series and while yes I could tell there was a back story with Lazarus and Sasha, it did not keep me from knowing and understanding what was taking place in this final book of this series.
The author really keeps you guessing and trying to help them figure out where the old man is. A real page turner.
KLH

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Piper Foster

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lexi ever since her husband killed himself she’s found herself with an unsavory reputation. Welcome her new partner Xavier the first case they work on is barriers of bad news of a child murdered. She knows who the killer is he’s big trouble and the reason she got this reputation in the first place

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Tina Vega

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love a good mystery that keeps you turning the page, this one is it. A romance that bloomed out of an investigation and murder case kept it interesting. I loved the complexity of Lexi. Just when you think you have her pinned down personality-wise, she surprises you with something she says or does. Xavier Knight has been sent to investigate Lexi, and he isn’t ready for the situation. The author did a great job with building the relationship which comes across as very realistic. Just wow!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Sunday Barnaby

The Crown of Stones: Magic Price by C.L. Schneider 

Narrated by Joey S. Bosco

Five  Stars

This is the first book in the Crown of Stones trilogy. Magic Price is the amazing beginning of this awesome series. Ian Troy is a Soldier Shinree. When he finds and uses the Crown Of Stones, his life spins out of control. After ten years of running, he must make a difficult decision to lead the resistance and learn to harness the magic to save the Realm and his people, the Shinree. He learns the truths about his heritage. The world that Schneider created with this trilogy is truly brilliant, so detailed it feels like you are part of what’s happening and can personally interact with the characters because you know them so well. 

This is the first book I have listened to by this narrator. He really makes the story amazingly lifelike. I enjoyed his voice and inflections of the different characters. I have read these books before I got the Audiobook, but I appreciate the story more with the audio. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who loves sci-fi, fantasy or just plain action adventure. I suggest if you’re going to read it start at the beginning with The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price, Magic-Scars and finally Magic-Borne. This series is amazing and magical!

Review by @sunbarn

Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 2) by Amy Argent – Review by Kayla Kearney

Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow #2)Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly can’t remember the last time I connected with a book as much as I have with this one. As someone who has watched someone suffer with cancer, this book tore at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t even know were possible. There were moments I knew exactly how Tori was feeling, making me connect with her on an extremely deep level, even if the person she was watching was her boyfriend and mine was my grandma. As with the previous book, the writer does an amazing job at describing to the reader exactly what it feels like to go through cancer, but in this book, every turn for the worse that Will takes makes my heart stop, hoping against hope he will survive his ordeal.

This book has left me with a newfound respect for every person who has ever gone through cancer, as well as more sympathy for those that have to support them through it. As much as she made me cry, I am looking forward to reading more books by this author, and am sad that the story of Will and Tori has come to a close.

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Corine Lombardi

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazingly written story.
This is a story of a woman on a mission and the back story of her dead husband, the guilt that fuels her.
There is mystery to the mystery and will she survive it.
Slow and tempting to just keep reading, and I was surprised at the ending.
How far would you go, what would you risk to catch a child killer?
To this female lead it can equal her life.
A gripping story to prove yourself and clear your conscience this was an amazing story.
Character development was spot on.
I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by stephanie nicole

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. This book has everything you could possibly want including fantastic main characters in detective Alexandra Danvers and Detectice Xavier Knight, an intriguing plot, and great story building. Even though Alexandra is a window, she is resilient, protective, competent, professional, and protective. Enter Xavier Knight who is also very professional, and protective, but he’s undercover, reserved and very much a loner. The attraction between these two jumps off the pages, and makes the book so good you can’t put it down. The author did such a great job making this story feel so real that you really empathize with the characters, and you want justice for the victims. So if your looking for your next read pick this one up today.

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Ayla Eddy

Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything Caspian has worked for is within reach, but his uncle has left a little more work for him if he wants to keep the company. Stay married for a whole year and find true love or stay single and lose it all. How hard can it be to find someone to marry him for a year? Enter Paisley whose life has just hit rock bottom. Evicted and broke with medical responsibilities for her mother in the hospital in coma. There seems to be no hope for her until she runs into an old friend. Both characters are stuck in a hard place with the other one having the means to remedy their situation. Caspian can be married for a year and Paisley can have her financial troubles taken care of. What could happen in a full year of being together? Could it turn into true love or could it turn into disaster?

I do not usually read the romance books but this one might have single handedly drawn me over to this genre. The book was hard to put down. I connected with the female lead of this story easily. It made me stuck always wanting to know what was going to happen in the next chapter. I will definitely be reading more books by this author and cannot wait to continue on in this series she has written.

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Stephanie Seeber

Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When childhood friends reunite after many years apart they find they can both benefit from time together. Paisley is drowning in bills and trying to get her comatose mother the best care she can. She is hopeful that she will eventually wake up if she can get her better care. However, she is barely getting by and is struggling to pay for things. Caspian finds out his uncle who raised him after a rough childhood is dying and instead of leaving the company in the hands of Caspian who has been running it and is married to his job he put in a stipulation that Caspian must marry someone. He wants him to have more to life than just a career. Caspian and Paisley run into each other at the hospital and after some other events leave Paisley with no other choice that she can see, she agrees to marry him for a year and a day so that he can fulfill his obligation to his uncle and he agrees to pay for the best care for her mother. They go into it as a business deal, but will they come out in love or go their separate ways when the agreement comes to an end?

This was a really cute story of two people finding each other when they needed it the most. I really enjoyed the build up of the characters and going to an in depth view of how each of them got to where they are. This author is great with world building and character development. I would love to read more in the future. It was a really easy read that kept me reading and had me rooting for both of the main characters throughout.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes contemporary romance with substance. This definitely had that. You had more than just a sappy love story. This will give you so much more. They both have obstacles and find they need each other for more than one reason.

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Jessica Heatherly

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This wonderfully illustrated book is a great way to have the conversation about Santa and keeping the Christmas magic alive. It is especially helpful if you have children of different ages. The author gives us the ability to take control of what could be a hard conversation and turn it into something special. I’ve been looking for the perfect way to answer this question and I believe this book will definitely help us!

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mom is There a Santa Claus is such an adorable book. It is a great tool for addressing that transition period, when a child begins to question Santa. I am going to keep this book in my back pocket, as I’m sure I will need it within the next year for my oldest. She is right at that age, and will enjoy assisting keep the magic alive for her younger brothers. Many of us adults have heard this rationale, of becoming part of the magic. I enjoyed the added personal touch of the necklace passed down through the generations. I love the illustrations, they are very bright and unique.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

THE BOX (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 4) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Vanessa Watts

The Box: A Greek Gods Urban Fantasy Romance (Her Three Immortals Book 4)The Box: A Greek Gods Urban Fantasy Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, I have been stalking this book for a while, anxiously awaiting its release as I was already enthralled by this series. It breaks my heart a little that this is the conclusion, but I was secretly happy to hear more books may be on the horizon. I absolutely love this author as a storyteller and the way she builds up this whole storyline has been amazing. This series only makes sense if you start from book one so you can truly understand the characters and why they do what they do.

After putting Aroz and Bow back into a single entity everything seems to be falling into place for Vanessa. She is at peace with her three sexy gods and is fulfilling the prophecy as it was written for Psyche. That is until the Goddess of beauty, Aroz’s mother pulls Vanessa into another task for her. She must fill a box with eternal beauty which sounds like it should be easy. Until she finds out that she must go to the highest mountain in Tartarus, to collect it from a very old, grumpy Goddess. Nothing ever goes according to plan because other deities have ulterior motives and only want to see Vanessa fail. Vanessa reconnects with Raef, Gorgonita, and her underworld moth PK whom all are willing to go with her to help accomplish her task. With Grey stuck in the upperworld waiting to fulfill a contract can they succeed even with so many odds stacked against them? This is a must-read series that will have you hooked from the very first page!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Erica Fish

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking to add a little magic into your life, this book will guide you on that path. It is a guide for you to connect with your surroundings. It shows you how your behaviors really do shape your life choices. There are hints to make your life more interesting and engaging and really show you the little miracles all around you. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone who would love to add a little more magic to everything you do.

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Priscida Finds Greatness by Constance Mays – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in OthersPriscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Based on the Lao Tzu saying, “Great acts are made up of small deeds”, Priscida Finds Greatness is a great young children’s book that teaches about finding greatness in yourself and in others. Priscida is a smart ally cat that goes through some rough stuff in her life. She is an ally cat, caught and taken to a shelter, then recused, only to be lost, but then found again. She learns through perseverance, greatness is contagious. Small acts of love and kindness lead to great things. I LOVED the illustrations and I believe that this is wonderful book for younger kids. Explaining kindness and how small acts of love can change the world in big ways is very important to me and this book does just that! I can’t wait to read this one with my girls and talk about it afterwards.

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Reviewed by: @jaimie0459

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Felicia Bates

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Every year the spirit of Santa enters the hearts and minds of people willing to listen.”

I am 32 years old and it is hard to convince me there is no such thing as Santa. I’ve been fortunate enough in my short life to have seen so many instances where the spirit of Christmas and the kindness of others has kept the hope alive for me. I think this is why Mom, is There a Santa Clause was such a big hit for me. I loved the way Lucas’ mom kept his dream alive so that Lucas could do the same for his younger siblings and classmates. My children are still young enough to be swept away by the magic of believing but this is the perfect book for that “stage” in life when they’re no longer so sure. This book kept a sentimental smile on my face throughout each page (and maybe got me a touch emotional too).

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jenni Bishop

A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, #5)A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A steamy romance tale that has all the feels. This is the fifth book in this series and as always this author makes the story come alive. I have read all of this authors work and as soon as I see she has a new book coming out I jump straight in, no hesitation. It is a second chance story that takes you to a magical place where you completely lose yourself. The story is everything from romantic and sweet, to sorrow and loss, painful memories to love and healing. The wonderful characters, and engaging storyline, along with the beautiful setting this romance story will have you enthralled.
Painful memories make what is supposed to be the most magical time of year painful for her. Christmas is his favourite time of year and when he learns her story he wants to make it a special time for her.
Reviewed by @jennadb

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Sarah Devereaux

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute story! I really enjoyed how the author wrote a story for children of the age that may be close to no longer believing Santa is real and how the young character’s mom explains the true meaning of Santa Claus!

The pictures went along great with the story and were well detailed.
I highly recommend this book for parents of children who are close to not believing anymore to help them understand the importance and the true meaning behind the holidays!

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A Sweet Christmas: A Sweet Confections Novella by Nicole Richards – Review by Megan Brasington

A Sweet ChristmasA Sweet Christmas by Nicole Richard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love books like this! A holiday love story where one is a baker and the other stumbles Into their shop and it’s almost love at first sight. Thea is a baker in Washington and Ben is a sports writer who almost instantly falls for each other. This book was spicier than I thought it would be and oh mama was it a good burn if you know what I mean. Wasn’t overdone and thought it was very tasteful. If you want a quick read to get you into the holiday mood I really recommend it.

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Colors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity Book by Feather Chelle – Review by Amber Poole

Colors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity BookColors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity Book by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great poem and activity book. More importantly it was an inspirational insight to what it’s like to be blind or deaf. I learned so much about the different types of blindness and about myself. This book is a book of reflection. How do you overcome obstacles? How can you apply what you’ve leaned in this book to your life? Anyone reading this should walk away with a better understanding of themselves and of others. I think this should be used in schools. I intend on having my 13 year old work on it with me. It’s age appropriate and I believe it’ll create more understanding and acceptance of someone else who has a “disability”.

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