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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Baking a BicycleBaking a Bicycle by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom

Baking a Bicycle is part of the Invisible Magic Wand Series. This is a cute children’s book that children of any age will enjoy. My five year old son loved this book and we have literally read it six times in row. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life. Caspian wants a bicycle for his birthday and grandpa tells him his unbirthday should be something special. When Caspian opens his special box there’s an envelope in the box with magic baking up dust in it. Can he bake a Bicycle? I highly recommend this book and we look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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

Oh man how precious is this cover !?🥰📚🐾

I’m blessed enough to work in a library at a local primary school so I had the opportunity to share Kingston and his friend with my little friend and there’s a bonus they have you get siblings so you can just imagine the stories that were swooped put amongst ourselves 🤣

Kingston has such a love for dogs and when mummy shows him other animals and calls them “ dog” she starts to worry just a little as any mother would and I just wanted to grab her hand and say “ don’t worry mum , he calls everything he loves dog “ 😉 and their journey of discovery is quite the adventure 🥰

I love how we get to meet different animals , breeds , shapes and sizes 😍 I loved the old colours ! A real treat 📚🥰

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What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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

Loving the cover art ! However , don’t let it me do lead you there’s something very different in between those pages and having read the first book in the series “ Love, only better” I was more than eager to get started on this read 🥰📚

Usually it’s woman who suffer at the hands of others wether it be at the hand of their loved one or employer and while it does happen to men it’s not something often women of so this was a big attraction for me ….not because I’m a sick puppy but because I appreciate that a taboo subject is being broached …..

We met Rebecca and Kyle in the first boom and Kyle was Rebecca’s saving grace and this time tomes are reversed 😉look I know he knew she’d support him but I also felt his anxiety and fear to share his experience….

So Kyles past meets up with his present unbeknown to them and when the dots are connected boy do we get fireworks and I typical fashion the aggressor looks for a scapegoat and tries to target Rebecca and name get out to be the bad guy but she who I shall not mention picked the wrong girl to pick a fight with !

I loved how supportive these 2 were of each other , i loved how a taboo subject was approached without emasculating Kyle but making him and his emotions and experience a very real thing and this is really a read I’d love to share with men and women alike 🥰📚

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren

Arriving Home is part of the Lake Juniper Series and is a wonderfully written MMF Romance that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. There are trigger warnings but if you can push through its worth trying. This is a fast-paced story about Elijah and Austin. Both have secrets and pasts that make it hard to find love. What a sweet holiday romance that I can totally picture being a beautiful Christmas movie. The characters are relatable, fully developed and make the story come to life. Austin is a Chef at the resort and Elijah is a best selling Romance author who is in a six month writers block. With the advice from his therapist he finds himself at a writers retreat hoping this will help get him out of his slump. Austin and Elijah have been through a lot in there past but can they learn to trust one another? These two definitely have chemistry and there’s definitely a few sizzling scenes. These two definitely pulled at my heart strings a few times I found myself tearing up but I pushed through. What will happen when Austin suggests being a fake boyfriend for the Holidays? Can Elijah find the inspiration he needs to vet over his slump? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Melissa Saxton

Rise of the YRise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lexi has a decent middle upper class life with her father in administration. Imperium runs the world after the collapse and everything comes down to an exam you take on hour 17th birthday. Lexi has been groomed for engineering/administration, but ever since a field trip when she was 5 she’s longed to break the cycle and go work in the greenhouse. Thats not how life works now, a test decides her job and a genetic matching algorithm decides her mate her children. Lexi was not built to conform.
So she decides to throw her test on purpose but ends up in reclamation, then her grandparents are told they are leaving for “solitude”, people don’t return from solitude. She accompanies them along with her mother to say goodbye. As she’s boarding her train to work after saying goodbye her entire world explodes.
What will become of Lexi, who is the Y? Are her grandparents and mother alive? This was a great read very action heavy!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

Well another cute story from this author! I love that she teaches kids about different science topics in a cute and fun way! This story is all about teaching children about water spout phenomenon, with simple explanations and fun illustrations for them to enjoy. She creates a simple story with easy explanations for children to like and understand. I think this is a great book for young children to enjoy and learn from!

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this was a wild ride of a dystopian future! I had not read previous books from this author, but I will absolutely be checking more of her works out in the future. She weaves together a grim future, where apps and programming are inserted into people’s brains directly and those that can’t work are thrown into the Catford Zone, a grim area where people are trapped with killer plants, weird bugs, and very little to eat. Our protagonist, Frankie, is sent to the Zone, in order to infiltrate concerns of an uprising and learn more about the rebels in charge of it. The author did a great job of creating memorable characters and unveiling their backgrounds and unique character traits in a way that felt organic and real. The story definitely had a variety of twists and turns and I honestly couldn’t anticipate how the story would end. If you are looking for a story that is a fairly realistic scfi dystopian read, this is the book for you.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Jennifer Ramos

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was very excited to see the second book for this series! On top of reading this next installment, there is a Christmas theme to the story that made me love it even more! I’ve read the first book and these stories remind me of Jumanji mixed with the Narnia series. So much fun and family centered! It is such a great read for older elementary and middle school children. Rusty, a 5th grader, has been given the special brass ring from his grandfather and he has been so utterly grateful that in the spirit of the holidays is seeking a gift to repay him for the ring. With limited funds for a very nice gift, he discovers Santa’s Christmas Carousel and ends up finding the true meaning of Christmas.

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Dark Moon Secrets is Book 1 in the newest series from this talented author and I was excited to dive right in. This is a very good story that gave me all the feels that I love about paranormal romance with shifters, witches, wolves, magic, secrets and supernatural elements.

Tanjie is unaware of how truly important she is….and what is to become. Inheriting a bookstore unexpectedly, Tanjie is not only the new “boss” but she is also thrown for a loop upon learning who she truly is. Learning secrets that come to light and also being attracted to a wolf-shifter, Alaric, Tanjie must learn quickly before it is to late what her destiny entails.

Alaric is trying hard to become his pack’s new beta, but secrets and lies are hindering him from anyone taking him seriously. One thing Alaric cannot do is stay away from Tanjie, even though she is forbidden.

Worlds collide and secrets revealed, what will become between Tanjie and Alaric? Definitely read and find out!! I am already looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens!!
Happy Reading!!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian wants a bike this time for his unbirthday…but his grandfather reminds him that unbirthday gifts are unique and suprising, so when Caspian discovers baking up dust in the am envelope he is a little confused.
Can they in fact bake up the best bicycle?
Fun and imaginative as always this authors books my kids love every time

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

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to like this one. Susan has a writing style that is similar to Nancy Drew. However I kept reading. AND LET ME TELL YOU WHAT! Susan did not let me down. I found myself jumping to read more throughout my busy day just so I could know what happened next. Thank you Susan for another great read.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Nina Maes

Fantastic fun story! This is not a typical Christmas story, but it may become one of my favorites. I recommend to all readers, new and young at heart. This author does a great job of tapping into your imagination and you paint a beautiful picture of what Christmas really means. Fast paced and interesting that keeps you flipping pages.

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic fun story! This is not a typical Christmas story, but it may become one of my favorites. I recommend to all readers, new and young at heart. This author does a great job of tapping into your imagination and you paint a beautiful picture of what Christmas really means. Fast paced and interesting that keeps you flipping pages.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Nina Maes

Entertainment in its fullest.
This is a fast paced read with wonderful characters. This short story will grab you and won’t let you go to the last page. This is the first book of the series and looking forward to what lays ahead. I recommend to all readers.Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Entertainment in its fullest.
This is a fast paced read with wonderful characters. This short story will grab you and won’t let you go to the last page. This is the first book of the series and looking forward to what lays ahead. I recommend to all readers.

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Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Candida Hopper

Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick romantic read but carried a big story line. Jake and Lauren dated in college but a misunderstanding that changed their lives broke them apart. These two found coincidentally run into each other because they are working the same case. Lauren is a social worker and Jake works for the law. They work together to try to make the best Christmas they can for the twins that are in Lauren’s care while their mother heals from her injuries. This story has romance, love, forgiveness, ups and downs, great characters and more. I enjoyed reading this story and seeing the character growth. This was a good read.

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book I’ve read by the author, and upon further investigation, seems like her first book. I have mixed feelings on Woman Unbroken. It is a story about not giving up on yourself, and restarting your life. Devorah has been dealt a bad hand in life, with her parents getting divorced, her father remarrying a much younger woman, and then going to jail. And her mother fleeing the embarrassment in Europe. Then Devorah finds herself in an unhealthy, abusive relationship. She finally works up the courage to leave, but doesn’t have much to run away to, in order to restart. We see her try to start over and pick of the pieces. I like that the author gave her the courage to leave, and the bravery to open herself up again, when she meets Andrew. I was glad to see how she handled that, in a mature manner. However, at the end of the book, I kind of felt… lacking? Like there wasn’t much resolution, or good for her, or feeling of contentment. The story just kind of fizzled out. Despite my feelings, it was still an enjoyable book, and I would read more by this author. She has definite potential.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Christine Baranek

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ocean in His Veins
By: A.R. Hadley

What a journey… The author has written two books that are companions. The order in which you read them may skew your view of certain characters. I read this story second. So this was prequel, and my view of this character was already “tainted” by Where the Ocean Meets the Sky. This story is Cal’s story. I really enjoyed that this story as it gave insight into why Cal is the way he is. Cal’s mother has firmly shaped who he is and his belief that feelings are nothing but weakness. This makes Cal the man we meet in the second book – he desires power and physical attention without any feelings attached to it. He has only been in love twice in his life. This book gives Cal a fantastic character arc with development I haven’t really seen frequently. The amount of thought that A,R Hadley has put into her characters is apparent and for that reason I highly recommend reading both this book and Where the Ocean Meets the Sky. These stories are the kind that once you read them you look at the people you meet differently, with a more critical eye. I cannot recommend reading this book enough!

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

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

The Cannibal Caper
By: Rosalind Barden

This is the second book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. This book (and the first in the series) is a historical cozy mystery that takes place in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Sparky is a tween who happens to be incredibly street smart which leads to her being an incredible amateur sleuth.
One thing that I have really enjoyed about both the books in the series is how different each of the characters is, they all are very quirky / eccentric and that to me makes the story unique. Also Rosalind Barden pays attention to the little details that make you feel as if you have traveled back in time and are experiencing everything along with Sparky, it really feels like no detail has been left out. I found this book to be a quick read that really kept me wanting to read more. I definitely enjoyed each and every word on the pages and I highly recommend picking this book up!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Murky Murder
By Hazel Smith

This is the first in this series that I have read, but I am definitely going to be getting the others. I love a good cozy mystery that makes you curl up under a blanket with something to drink and just read until the end of the book. Which in all honesty is what I did with this one. This book is set in a hotel in London and features Ivy and her family who seem to always be solving mysteries. Ivy is the best kind of heroine, one who finds herself solving mysteries but doesn’t let it interfere with the rest of her life. I definitely recommend this book and I am ordering the rest of the series right now!

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl
By: Samantha Shannon

This is such a sweet children’s book. It features Luna, who is a husky that enchants readers from the start. Luna is not ordinary and Samantha Shannon does a fantastic job exploring the difficulties in such a way that even the youngest of readers will understand. The illustrations are absolutely vivid and whimsical and add to the enjoyment in the story. I love that this story has a focus on social emotional well being of children, specifically with a focus on kindness. At the end of the book there are multiple activities for children that focus on kindness. This is a book that I will most definitely be gifting to the young readers in my life and that has found a featured spot in my classroom library.

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Raining Fish and Frogs
By: Lois Wickstrom

I want to start by saying I have really grown to love the books of Lois Wickstrom. She does a fantastic job of explaining the natural world to young readers. In this book young readers are introduced to the phenomenon of a water spout. It all starts with a young man who decides to go catch a trout for breakfast. While he is there the winds pick up and the fish and the frogs of the lake are taken by them. However, when the winds can’t hold any more it started raining fish and frogs. This was honestly such a great story and the illustrations (as usual) only add to the charm of the book. I definitely recommend getting this story for young elementary readers. It will definitely be finding a permanent place in my classroom library!

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Erin DeRom

Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3, Year 3

Year 3 had me hooked, I couldn’t put it down. I was lucky enough to have some time away from work so I could devour it undisturbed. This book, left me on edge and unsettled quite a bit (in the best way). I truly couldn’t put it down.

This should NOT be read as a stand alone, but I promise the first 2 are fantastic as well. I can’t wait to read book 4.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Alison Risher

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll be honest- it was the hazardous hoarding that piqued my interest. I have clutter. Now I’m wondering if I should examine my motivation whenever I am tempted to keep something even slightly sentimental. Throw in a mystery, and a ghost- I’m hooked! The fact that the story is set in my home state of Kentucky is an added bonus.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Shea Gilkerson 11/26/23

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

Maid Ivy is back as head maid at Hotel La Fontaine and has a mystery of a murdered guest to solve. When fake flyers show up and clues abound, will she be able to solve the whodunit in time?

Love the writing here, the world building, the way the characters feel like you know them. I would not have guessed the level of suspense and mystery that would abound with what a fun read this was. I kept meeting new suspects and was thoroughly befuddled by the time I made it to the big reveal! A lot of fun, I’ll be getting the other books in the series!

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199289079-the-catford-catastrophe-zone” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Catford Catastrophe Zone” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696681924l/199289079._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199289079-the-catford-catastrophe-zone”>The Catford Catastrophe Zone</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16358619.Petra_Jacob”>Petra Jacob</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6004212065″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A new author to me, and not my usual genre to read but I am so glad I took the plunge into this world.<br />A dystopian world not like we know it, with specific layers and levels, control, safety and a hint of rebellion.<br />We meet and follow Frankie who has her life planned out but needs to get into the elite team, she completes many missions then is tasked with undercover work in the ‘poverty zone’. An area where mankind is almost the least of her worries. Leaving her safe life behind her, Frankie moves undercover to spy on those said to be making trouble. Are they really the bigger problem or is there more that Frankie needs to find, A well plannedDystopian read to keep you on the edge of your seat.<br />The world building and story line are well planned and develop quickly to keep you gripped. There are multiple layers of story that keep you transfixed. <br />I will certainly be looking out for more from this author.
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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Maikalani Alexander

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phew Nadia is releasing fire after fire you guys 😱

This is a captivating second chance love story with the spice that’ll make you burn 🥵morally grey ?! Sign me up HEA ?! YES PLEASE. There are triggers to be aware of in each book so make sure to keep an eye.

Violence suspense mystery romance what more could you need ?! This story is enthralling captivating and keeps you reading

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The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising Book 3 ) by Nadia Han – Review by Maikalani Alexander

The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising, #3)The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This may just be my favorite if the series. ENEMIES TO LOVERS BABY 😍
Forced proximities hunting to uncover secrets about the gift from dad; Natalia meets Grayson. The man who gets under skin drives her insane in all the best ways. But will this push them together or further apart.
Everything you want in a book and more Nadia Han kills it.

This is apart of a series I recommend reading them all but it can be read as a stand alone. She doesn’t disappoint.

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The mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Maikalani Alexander

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an awesome slow burn romance ! Her crush on her brothers best friend started when she was younger. The annoying little sister that wasn’t allowed to hang. Now she’s a beautiful young woman who knows what she wants and everything to gain.
Hes grown become the mogul that he dreamt of. Buying out businesses starting his video game that he and the gang dreamt of all those years ago. But will his past trauma keep him from achieving ? From love?

This book had me hooked from the first chapter. I devoured the rest in the series like it was the air I breathe. Highly recommend.

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The daredevil (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Maikalani Alexander

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising, #2)The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I said it once I’ll say it again Nadia Han kills it in this series ! I couldn’t put the book down. From friends to lovers forced proximities business moguls free spirits chasing the high she completely encompasses her readers and sucks you in. Another great book

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Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jessie Hopkins

Karina has taken over her grandmother’s cafe and is trying her best to make her proud. On her deathbed Gigi had 2 things she asked Karina to do, run the cafe and read her diary. Both of which turn out to be a struggle. The cafe is a lot of work, especially for only one person who was planning to be an artist, and the diary has gone missing. Everyone looks like a suspect, as Gigi was well loved and many people have shown interest in her diary. Karina is busy asking anyone who was at the cafe the day it went missing, and also finding out more about her grandmother than she previously did, even without getting to read the diary.
A great book that keeps you interested the whole way through.

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you read Where the Ocean Meets the Sky you’ll know the main character of this story. It is Cal’s life story of finding happiness and what he did to get it. There are many women before he finds Annie at 45 and this story tells you of the pain, suffering and more that he went through. A.R. does a wonderful job showing you into the sadness of Cal’s journey.

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