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Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Tausha Treadway

Children of the WildChildren of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks. This is such a good fantasy, young adult read. Its the story of Elbert who lives on a farm in the early 20th century. Elbert thinks he’s just a normal teenager with a normal family until one day he begins to physically feel different. He gets a weird sensation on his chest and he begins to grow feathers. He begins to see the world differently and almost feels at one with nature. As Elbert goes thru his self discovery he struggles with self doubt and grief. While going thru this process he begins to really feel like himself and learns to be the real Elbert. There is magic, shape shifting, mythical themes and magical abilities. This is such a fun journey for young adults and even older adults!

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tausha Treadway

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram. This author has quickly become one of my favorites. This is my favorite genre and I loved this story. Its the story of Karina who has promised her grandmother, Gigi that she will run her cafe when she passes. So Karina picks up and moves back home to take over Gigi’s Cafe. When she moves into her Gigi’s home she finds all kinds of secrets about her Gigi. She finds a diary that says there is a substantial amount of money to be found so when she misplaces the diary the whole town is looking for it. While Karina searches the house she finds all kinds of mysterious things. She finds secrets about everyone in town along the way. While trying to find the diary she questions everyone about it. Will she find the diary before the wrong person does? Read this fun mystery to find out!

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Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shelly Kittell

Lela's ChoiceLela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Hamish and Lela are hunting for Sophie and Peter in Malta. While they are doing this, they fall in love themselves. The chemistry between these two is perfect. It felt like it started as a slow burn because Papa was in the middle, as he always is. I loved watching these two work out their relationship as they went along. It was a satisfying resolve to the problem for everyone. This is such a wonderful series. The story was well-done and well-developed. The characters were thought out and defined with very unique personalities. Another that I wholeheartedly recommend. I couldn’t put this one down.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shea Gilkerson

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the Sparky of Bunker Hill series and a second that is absolutely knocked out of the park. Charming, gritty, endearing, unique…this story pulls me in in so many ways. Sparky is as street-wise and curious as ever in her neighborhood in Los Angeles. The community is absolutely loaded with unique and memorable characters and is vividly detailed to share the wistful, gritty, beautiful but dark times. One of those cozy books you read on a cold wet day and wish you could meet the characters in real life.

In addition to the myriad of wacky events Sparky investigates, she’s also looking to catch a cannibal with strong preferences. I’m unable to share much as I don’t have the way with words that the author does, but another absolute home run in the series.

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shea Gilkerson

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an utterly charming story! I would never have guessed that reading from a point of view of a smart-aleck 11 year old orphan in the Depression Era would have had me so engrossed and invested! Beautiful visuals, learned some new verbiage from the past, I am invested in all of the zany assortment of characters. I do feel a couple more loose ends could have been finished up, but it was so much fun to read that I couldn’t put it down!

As previously mentioned, Sparky is an 11 year old orphan in the 1930’s. The neighborhood is Bunker Hill in Los Angeles. She’s street-wise, she’s smart, she’s a bit of a trouble maker, she’s an amateur investigator and now she’s accused of murder of a fellow kid in the area! After the initial accusation, the community piles on and the things she gets accused of are utterly absurd. Will Sparky be able to find the actual killer before it’s too late?

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Ashley Phillips

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This us one of my new favorite authors, and every new book she writes I’m first in line to read it! I enjoy reading her suspenseful novels, and every new story is so much more refreshing than the last. I read this book and my heart broke as Karina faced the death of her grandmother, and the task of taking over her restaurant. The suspenseful events start right away and in a search to find out where this prized journal is located, so many other secrets arise. I would be surprised if one of this authors books doesn’t end up in a movie, the writing is SO VIVID! Thank you again for another masterpiece!

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Shelly Kittell

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh how I enjoy these stories. They are perfect for the middle school age group. The middle-schoolers in the stories are such a fun group. There are few that can see the ghosts which makes it even more entertaining. I loved the mystery they had this time. The writing is perfect. The characters are well-developed for the audience written to. I recommend this series to the upper elementary to middle-school crowd.

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Shelly Kittell

DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an interesting book. I was pulled in from the start by the intriguing descriptions. This is a fascinating book with the descriptions of characters and what’s going on the story. I found that there is a little of everything. There is some mystery/suspense, paranormal. Fantasy, and more. It was a wonderful story that kept me engaged until the end. I came in on the second book. I will have to go back and read the first book now. I definitely recommend this one.

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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a beautiful love story. Two people heading out West with basically their faith in God. I found this a wonderful story with it’s faith intertwined in the story. Dorothy and Elias are both strong characters that go through a lot and come together in this beautiful story. I love strong writing that is big on faith and inspirational. Those are two items found in this story. Elias does a lot of preparation for this trip to make sure it his calling. Dorothy kind of flew by the seat of her pants, not by her choice. The story showed us that God works in miraculous ways. I recommend this one.

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kitttell

Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carrie found a pair of antique wings that used to be her Grandmothers. I found it fascinating how the story built around the movement of birds in flight. This story was about starlings. It was also about sharing memories with generational memories. Every book this author writes is always fascinating because there is a little tidbit in there about family. This is a science learning book about Starlings. I found out some new tidbits about Starlings in the information section included at the end of the story. A beautiful story that I recommend for any home with children.

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Ashley Sugar

Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The exercises in this journal were phenomenal. It’s honestly something I really needed. It’s my first time actually reading or doing exercises like this and I enjoyed the entire thing. It’s helped me and made me realize stuff I didn’t before. Just absolutely beautiful.

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Angela Shirley

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Regan is on her latest book tour, although they are not that bad it has become unbearable as the other author is a pain her side. Pavlo is a dark mysterious author who writes the opposite to her romantic stories with HEA, so when her agent decides to arrange a private book signing with the next First Lady she is annoyed and wants the world to swallow her up.

Pavlo was invited on the tour to promote his new book, so when he discovers that Regan is also included his mood takes a dive, this fiercely independent woman will be the death of him, but when there is a threat against her and her daughter, Pavlo pushes all that aside and his instinct to protect her is brought to the for front.

As they get to know each other better there is a chemistry between them that can’t be denied but can Pavlo push away the feelings to be able to protect her and her daughter properly.

This is the first book I have read by this author and loved every word written, although this book is part of a series, I thought this was a story which can be read separately. The chemistry between these two main characters was brilliant to read and added a extra layer to the story, with also the Enemies to Lovers progression had you engaged all through. Regan was a great female character full of fire and independence which frustrated Pavlo at times but in the end became the thing he loved the most about her.

I can’t wait to read more of this series and the others before.

Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Angela Shirley

Finding the End ZoneFinding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Callahan O’Reilly is the elite Athlete, the Football Star, and a god to all around him, apart from Jamaica Winslow. Callahan must try and concentrate when he is placed with Jamaica, a straight A student for a project but when he gets to know her, he sees more of the qualities he wants to go out with.

Jamaica was determined to not be attracted to the god which is Callahan O’Reilly but as she gets to know him and sees he is more than the sport he plays and the pressures that is put on him she becomes more attracted and wants to find out more behind the football.

I enjoyed this book greatly, although at times I was a little confused at the totally lack of understanding sometimes from Jamaica towards Callahan but the interactions in general were heart-warming and beautiful.

The story weaves into the world of college football and the stress that are placed on athletes to perform and the pressure Callahan has just adds to the drama within the story. Jamaica’s character was a little frustrating to me although this did not deflect from the story and the secondary characters added another layer in the story.

I can’t wait for the next story in this series.

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Trish Ann

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a decent read for me. I had a little bit of a hard time being engaged in the story but that could be because I do not usually choose books with some of the plot lines in here. It could be because it is the 7th of the series so I wasn’t as invested as if it had been a continuation. With that said, the plot was well done. I absolutely loved Cody!

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most kids think about flying at one point and this book feeds into that sweet fantasy. Who wouldn’t want to fly with the birds? The story of her grandmother’s wings and how they are passed down through the family is sweet and it is nice to see they have a special bond. I love the end has a history and facts about starlings to teach children.

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Christie Mitchum

Finding the End ZoneFinding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic and smart opposites-attract sports romance!!!

Jamaica and Callahan had me hooked from the very first pages of their story!! The electricity between them was evident from their very first meeting in class, and from that moment on, I was firmly in their corner!

Jamaica and Callahan are polar opposites. When they are paired up for a class project, she is less than thrilled, but not Callahan. He likes her and likes getting under her skin even better. She wants nothing to do with him, I mean, he is a player both on and off the field or so that is what Jamaica thinks. As she spends more time with him, she realizes he is so much more. He reads Jane Austen, and he is NOT the dumb jock. In fact, he is quite intelligent. To top it off, he is actually a gentleman as well.

Jamaica isn’t like any girl Callahan has ever met. His past hookups have been casual and easy, and nothing about her is casual or easy. However, he doesn’t mind. As he spends more time with her, he falls even deeper. But, he has a hard job ahead of him breaking down the solid walls that she has built around her heart.

There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about this couple. The banter between them was priceless. I enjoyed the way they teased one another, and their nicknames for each other were so cute!!! Even though there was some lightheartedness in the book, there was also some seriousness as well. Jamaica won’t give any man her heart easily. She has serious trust issues because of her relationship or non-relationship with her father. Even though what she and Callahan have is special, and he has done everything right to gain her trust, she still pulls away. She saw how her mother had struggled because she gave her heart away, and she didn’t want to give up a part of herself or her independence.

There are so many of these types of romances, but this author made her book stand out from the pack. The characters were complex and multi-layered, and she had some real surprises for us in the book that I didn’t see coming. And, her analogy between football and chess was GENIUS!!!! This was a romance that was witty and smart! I LOVED IT!!! I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!!!!

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Rayne East

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cozy mystery
The third book in The Diamond District Mystery Series is a story filled with tension, suspense and intrigue. This was balanced with witty banter and an array of interesting characters. I enjoyed the storyline but did struggle to connect to Mimi, she was a bit over the top at times. This didn’t detract from the story as the writing was good and flowed well and kept me engaged until the end. I’m curious enough to want to check out other books in this series. Recommend.

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A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship #3)A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann

A Christmas Amish Courtship is the third book in the Amish Courtship Series and is a Clean Inspirational Romance that will definitely take you on a emotional journey. This is a sweet second chance romance with a Christmas setting that will pull at your heartstrings. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. There style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. Anne and Andy both have hurt souls and love is what they both are looking for. Anne loves to bake and Christmas time. So when she receives a mysterious letter in the mail from a secret admirer she must decide if its worth the risk. What will happen when the plan backfires? Can these two have the love together they both deserve? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorable story about a husky. The text is written in poetic form but not too sing-song. Illustrations are vibrant and being out the husky personality. I read this book too my grandson and he loved it! We also have a husky malamute mix, and he doesn’t howl either. Small acts of kindness and love are the theme in this story. I love the friend and family Luna has on her life.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by April McCoy

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New to the Rob Bates mystery-verse, and impressed with the attention to detail in this story. The characters were good, the story easy to follow, it was a good exciting read. I only gave 4 stars because it took me a bit to get into it which is a personal problem not the authors fault!

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by April McCoy

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Susan has so quickly become one of my favorite authors. Honestly I know I’m going to sit down and lose all sense of time and place because she sucks you in so deeply. My heart was racing, palms sweaty more than once reading this one. I cannot get enough of the mystery/look over your shoulder thrillers. The characters she creates captivate your attention and you just feel as if you have been friends for a long time. Read any book by Susan and you won’t be disappointed.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by April McCoy

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where the heck has this series been my whole life! Wow just wow. Ivy is an enigma and this story is a wild ride! I loved the mur-mystery feel and especially loved the animals included in the story line. I couldn’t put this one down and will be quickly adding the series to my shelf!!

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by April McCoy

Finding the End ZoneFinding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will be the first to admit that sports romances aren’t typically my go to however the push and pull made the chemistry for these college students on fire. Callahan can’t resist the challenge Jamaica presents and this book had me sweating in some moments! Really well played by the author and definitely piqued my interest and held on right into the end zone!

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by April McCoy

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know what it is about T.S. Simons but they have a way of just pulling you right into the story. This was even better of a read as a Canadian getting to see some culture there. Caitlin and Gio are such great characters and I really was pleased the second in the series didn’t drop the ball so to speak. Thrilling read with some great ups and downs to keep you pulled all the way in!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Julie Johnson

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I could read books like this everyday, I’d be in reading heaven!! I absolutely loved this book! First of all, it’s a clean mystery read. I’d let my young daughter read this without any qualms. Second, it’s witty and fun to read about Ivy and her new position at work. There is a budding romance that’s very sweet to see develop. I was a little disturbed that Ivy referred to him as Mr. Humphrey, although he is her boss and this is a very new relationship.

Overall, a very enjoyable read! I’m going to be reading more by this author and in this series.

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly, I was not expecting this book to blow me away as much as it did. I have gone through a lot of things within this last year and was needing something that would help me as much as it has. Doing the exercises, helped me let go of a lot of heaviness that I had within me. I was absolutely blown away. I cannot speak more highly about this journal/book. The author OUTDID herself. I absolutely loved this.

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The fish weren’t biting at Lake Fish-Or-Cut-Bait, but then the wind kicked up and a waterspout formed and began sucking all the water out of the lake, fish, frogs, and all. The wind then moved into town, picking up everything in its path. When the wind lost its energy, it began raining fish and frogs everywhere. This was a cute children’s book!

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dylan wants to be a detective. When his detective kit arrives in the mail, he sets out for his first case. With his little sister assisting him, they set out to discover who stole the neighbor’s mail. A very cute children’s book.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series)Finding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. One day, a hot football player notices Jamaica and starts talking to her. She of course doesn’t give him the time of day until she is paired up with him on a project for the class. Of course Callahan Is the hot football player everyone knows and loves so he has his fan club following him everywhere interrupting their study sessions.
Callahan doesn’t stop trying to flirt with Jamaica and I love their banter. They really are so sweet together when Jamaica finally lets her guard down and gives in to Callahan’s irresistible charm.
Jamaica is on a scholarship so needs to keep her grades up. Somehow, information is leaked that she is getting special treatment which is helping her with her grades so her big project is under review by lots of people. What will happen with Jamaica’s scholarship? Always likes this authors writing and this book was no different. Definitely another 5 star read for me.

review by @xchellex

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Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Kerry Baker

Children of the WildChildren of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a unique and interesting story that is really well written and thought through. As a debut novel it really showcases what this author has to offer. It is a historical fantasy story that draws you in with ease. It has a depth about it that you don’t always get from books like this and is more than I expected it would be.
I enjoyed the characters in the book. Each had their own part to play and added something to the storyline. I wanted to know more about them and their journey. This book is a great book and I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next.

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