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Dirty Money by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

Dirty Money (J.J. Graves Mystery #6)Dirty Money by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor Ben is not in good shape and JJ and Jack are worried. They know this has to be the work of Malachi, but how can they prove it?

Jaye is feeling all the guilt and taking it on her shoulders. Jack is starting to get a little concerned, fed up, and showing signs of anger because of the situation.

This series continues to captivate me and bring me such joy while reading. There is always a case of murder in addition to the story of Jaye’s parents and their crimes. In this instance what’s causing the murders is a nice little hook. Malachi is getting closer and closer to ending this cat and mouse game with his daughter and Jack. However, there’s still another surprise in store for the couple and how it all plays out will have consequences for probably months and years to come.

Even with all of the stress, chaos, and mystery, this couple finds a way to make me laugh and root for them. I love all of the sub characters and how this couple has built a nice little family around themselves. I appreciate that while this book has some romance it is not the main focus of the book and you just get to enjoy a well thought out, well written, story of pure enjoyment.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 6)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Unfortunately for me the last book was just completely anti climatic. I didn’t feel as if there was any real big mystery or that it was presented in a way that grabbed me. I ended up not liking any of the characters at all which is unusual. I have read other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them so was let down. I felt that the story had great potential in the first three parts, but the last two just fell apart. I look forward to reading other sets by her and hope they showcase what I have grown to like about this author.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 5)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As the journey and mystery continue, I found myself not enjoying this book at all. I felt like this particular book focused more on Julie, and the fact that she whines and throws fits like a teenager especially where Lacey is concerned instead of a grown adult. I disliked that Julie acted more like a “high school” bestfriend who was jealous and didn’t know how to handle her feelings. This book also didn’t have much more to the mystery until the last couple of pages. I’m hoping that the author will redeem herself in the sixth and final part. I do like the budding relationship of Thomas and Lacie.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 4)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With each new book a new mystery unfolds within the big mystery itself. Lacie is starting to question who she really can and cannot trust. Are the people who have been helping her truly there to help her or is there something mysterious going on behind their show of support? Each person in the town of Southport seems to have something to hide, and when the whole town appears to turn on Lacie you have to wonder how she might make it through. As she continues to unravel, each thread more and more comes into view, as well as more hurt, frustration, and even a little devastation.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 1)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, for Lacey McNeil that picture could be worth a thousand heartaches. Lacey, is a recent empty nester with her twin boys off to college. She is at a crossroads of what is next when a mysterious photo shows up at her doorstep. Desperate to prove what she sees can’t be right she starts a journey that may turn her whole life upside down. This first short book is the start of what is looking to be a great little set.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 2)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Right from the beginning of part two we get to see just how much of a narcissistic jerk Robert is, and how much Lacie has put up with, and given up for his every demand and whim. He apparently thinks the vow “obey” is literal.

The way that he acts and treats her throughout this entire book is frustrating. She’s trying desperately to figure out the secrets and mystery that is going on and then gets hit right upside the head with his next move. As the secrets unfold little by little you start to get a sense of where it’s all going.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 3)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being a 40-year-old woman who is a recent empty nester and now having to deal with the huge secret cannot be easy. As Lacie and her two friends, Julie and Thomas embark on their investigation to find out just what is going on you get to see the sweet side of the camaraderie that they have built.

You start to learn more and more just how much damage Robert has done to Lacie over the course of the 21 years of marriage. It’s hard to read and watch the self destruction and low self-esteem that she has at this stage in her life. I’m hoping that as each book goes on, we see her find some type of strength and inner self worth. The lies continue to pile up and you wonder how how did she not know?

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Trista Martin

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun and creative retelling this book is. This is the first book of the authors I have read and I went into it blindly. I was not expecting a Jack retelling, not only was I surprised but what a wonderful surprise it was. I can’t wait to read this to my granddaughter.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Jennifer Crain

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading some heavier texts, this one did not disappoint- a lighthearted romcom type book that had a succinct plot, likable characters, and an interesting premise (I grew up mostly in the ’90s, but was familiar with many of the 80’s references in the book).

My favorite part was the character development. Oftentimes, one or both of the couple falls flat for me, but that was not the case with Blaine and Eric. They were both well rounded and irritable at times, but a likable irritable. I also liked the juxtaposition of the two because they had such different upbringings yet found each other in an interesting way. I will read more from this author.

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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Santana Hicks

Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jessica calls herself a fixer. If you need property, she’s your girl. Documents delivered discreetly and prompt, she’s your girl. Her only rule is no drugs.

When a rich tyrant hires her to find his missing daughter, it hits a soft spot Jessica didn’t even think she still had. Her parents abandoned her when she was only 15 years old and she has been on her own since. Jessica starts to look into the disappearance of the missing girl, meeting dead end after dead end. Things are looking grim in more ways than one.

Was the missing woman kidnapped? Murdered? Or did she just escape the clutches of her controlled life living under daddy’s thumb. Jessica will find out what happened to this girl if it’s the last thing she does, even when danger strikes.

I loved Jessica’s character from the beginning. Used to being on her own, she shuts everyone out, including people who love her and want to help her. She is closed off and drowns herself in alcohol and one night stands. I loved watching her grow into a stronger woman than she already was. The author did a great job describing an emotionally damaged woman who put walls up all around herself to prevent further hurt.

The plot was also a selling point, there was intrigue and mystery everywhere you turned. Danger around every corner with the main character diving in head first.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Julie Johnson

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Imagine having the weight of the world on your shoulders your senior year of high school. Responsibilities include keeping grades up, picking the right college, cleaning house, taking care of your baby brother, and taking care of your mother. That’s Claire’s situtation and she wasn’t given a lot of choices as she entered into what should have been the best year of her life.

Claire’s parents divorced a few years back and her mom went on a business trip earlier in the year. A few weeks after she returned home, she found out she was pregnant. She refused to tell Claire who the dad was and even left that spot empty on Harry’s birth certificate. Everything changed when she got pregnant and Claire had to start picking up the pieces.

Claire’s friends come to her aid but they have limited resources, especially when Uncle Pat starts to stick his nose into everything. Claire will stop at nothing to keep her little brother and mom together with her. Her senior year is nothing like she expected but she is also learning valuable lessons along the way.

This book was a challenging read for me. Maybe it’s because I had to grow up fast and have “adult” responsibilites at a young age. Claire’s story really resonated with me though. I found myself becoming angry at all the people around her who were letting her deal with all of this alone when some of them could have stepped up and helped her. Claire became so much stronger through this experience and learned to love, forgive, and plan a future that she wanted, not what others expected of her.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My entire family and I love this author’s work! We know that we are in for a fun adventure when we begin reading one of their books. This one is a twist of a classic Jack and the Beanstalk, and we absolutely fell in love with it! The illustrations were super neat, and I thought it flowed just perfectly for a kids book. It held the attention of my hyperactive 7-year-old, and even got some conversation going with my 11-year-old as she doesn’t think about the older fairy tales as much. This book is original and incredibly unique. I highly recommend picking it up and sharing it with the younger ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Shannen Kern

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this one up, but it really blew us away! The cover pulled me in as it is just beautiful, and the synopsis painted a cool picture as well. I read this with my middle schooler, and we were pleasantly surprised to see the different kinds of fairy tales that we aren’t accustomed to. I loved that each story we read felt like jumping into a completely different world. Even though this is aimed towards a teenage audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone that likes a collection of creative folklore!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Jo Wright

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love short stories! This is an awesome set of short stories, but I would have to say my favorite was the last one called Bones of the Soul. I was nowhere near ready for it to end the way that it did. This set is not what I was expecting, but instead it was so much more! These otherworldly tales roped me into Berve’s imagination and let me tell you, I was not fighting to get back out!

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors

Saved by the Everyday Hero Anthology is a wonderfully written collection of limited edition Romances by some pretty amazing authors. Some are fairly new to me while others I’m familiar with. This is a collection of stories of knights in shining armor that comes in many different forms. What I loved most was how each story was about a different kind of hero,rather it be a blue collar or maybe it’s a neighbor or just a friend. Heroes are everywhere. My emotions were all over the place with each new story I read. Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie is one author I never hesitate to read and this MM Romance takes the cake .i loved Elijah and Jade. Elijah’s past seems to have followed him and his little son. Can Jade protect Elijah and little Griffin from harm? I highly recommend reading this wonderfully written anthology. Who knows you may find a new author or two. I look forward to exploring more books by these authors.

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Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis – Review by Deb Robinson

Vampires of AtlantisVampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. The story has so many creatures to keep my imagination overflowing.

Katherine is a human who works at a museum cataloging artifacts. When a monster escapes from Altantis to the human world, she is attacked and she has no idea why. She wakes to Ian the (King) of Altantis who has healed her as much as he could.

He finds himself extremely drawn to her and is irrationally feeling he can never let her go. The feeling to protect and possess her is very strong. Katerine is a strong stubborn woman and won’t put up with being told what to do. Ian will learn this lesson the hard way as they both try to figure out what is so special about an artifact the beast from Atlantis is trying to find.

The story will keep you glued to the pages to find out how the twists and turns are all resolved.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Deb Robinson

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Russell is 10 and in grade 5. He is a good kid but has some challenges going on in his life. He feels like a failure. With little confidence in himself, he finds himself being bullied at school.

Life changes drastically when his grandfather comes to life with him and his family. When Russell’s grandfather ends up in the hospital he is given a precious item by his grandfather. Russell takes magical journeys that will keep young readers interested and entertained as well as gain the confidence they may need as well.

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Deb Robinson

Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kodiak and Tamaska are still in the hunt for the Blood Opal. Kodiak is trying to keep Tamaska safe but it is a hard task when she fights him at every turn. After Tamaska has put herself in danger yet once again with the vampires looking for the Blood Opal, she learns of Kodiak’s turn nature. With her fear of dogs due to a dog bite when she was little, she freaked right out. She tries to stay away from Kodiak out of fear. When there is no other place to turn, they come to an understanding that a truce for the greater good must be established.

I really enjoyed this book and got through it in 2 days. Book 3 is on my TBR list.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom

I Am An Outer Space Alien is the first book in the I am an Alien series that my five year old and I loved reading. We are huge fans of this author and have read several books by her. Each one of her stories have a message to be learned, this one we took away not everyone is the same rather, its how we look or where we come from. My son loved it and we read it several times already. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life. This is aimed for children ages 4-8. Shirl feels like she doesn’t fit in with other humans and feels different from others. Shirl thinks because she’s different she must be an alien. What will happen when Eeh-ahh a real alien shows up? I highly recommend reading this book to find out. We look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Christine Baranek

Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Leaving No Traces
By: P J Mann

This is another wonderful Detective Scala tale. It is part of a series, but honestly each book functions as its own. This is a complex case from the start, it features what appears to be one case of a murder, or maybe an abduction because there is no body, just a car and a lot of blood in the driver’s seat. However, there ends up being more than one body and definitely lots more to this case including the mafia. Plus there’s the added drama of a witness who has to stay alive in order to testify about anything.
This is definitely filled with twists and turns and I loved every minute of it. As a character, I love Detective Scala. But the truth is, it is the cases he solves that keeps me coming back for more. This one had a little bit of everything and literally kept me up way past my bedtime. Everytime I thought I had it figured out, another twist would make me change my mind! I definitely recommend this one and the rest of the series!!!

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Plate, August 2023

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute story. A kids twisted version of Jack and the Beanstalk in a good way. I would age this book for children a little bit older than her normal books, but that’s just me.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Christine Baranek

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Granting Katelyn

By: S.E. Reichart

This is the second book in the Sweet Valley Series. It reads as a standalone, however, the first book Raising Elle, is by far and away one of the best books I’ve read this year and therefore I would definitely recommend reading that one first. It gives you a feel for the characters that are in this book as they are introduced in the first one. This book is Grant’s turn to explore his past and open himself to others. Katelyn is new to the area and comes to help treat Grant’s horse. I loved Grant in the first story and I was so glad I got to know him better in this one. Katelyn was a great addition to Sweet Valley. I definitely enjoyed this story and Katelyn and Grant getting to know each other. I definitely recommend this story and this series and I cannot wait to see what will happen next in the series!

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Firewall by Jessica Mehring – Review by Christine Baranek

FirewallFirewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firewall
By: Jessica Mehring

This is a very good new Romantic Suspense by Jessica Mehring. This is the first book I have read of hers and it will not be my last. Veronica and Angus were written very well and their banter while being put in suspenseful situations was entertaining. I loved the twists and turns that this book kept delivering because it definitely kept me turning the pages. I did not want to put this one down until it was over. I also really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. I definitely recommend this one as it is very very well written and will keep you on your toes!

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Christine Baranek

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back to the 80s
By: S.E. Reichart and Kerrie Flanagan

This is the sweetest story I have read in a while. Blaine is a sweet protagonist. I love how involved and invested she was in the store. She definitely wants to keep her mother alive. Eric was an interesting character to me. He came in the way I fully expected him to, ready to take over the store for his own interests. However, their bet was so fun and cute. I loved their banter and how they slowly started to gain more of an interest for each other. This plot was legitimately super sweet and really this was the perfect book to read after I had just finished reading several suspense stories. I loved the way that the story made me feel and I was literally just happy as I was reading this. I definitely recommend reading this story, if for no other reason than to see who will win their bet.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Christine Baranek

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reticent Hawke
By: Gwyn McNamee

This is not my first book in the Hawke family series, nor will it be my last. I absolutely love her stories. Each book in this series definitely functions as a standalone. However, I definitely recommend reading each and every book. Each of the stories are interconnected in small ways and the ways the family interact carry through from story to story. Also, the family is the thread that connects the stories.
Jude and Angelina were wonderfully written characters and I loved the amount of thought that it was clear that Gwyn McNamee put into each of them. Each of them was flawed, with many problems / difficulties. Also, there is the normal emotional story line that is expected from a Hawke family story. I definitely recommend picking up this book and the rest of the books in the Hawke family series. I have never been disappointed by one of Gwyn McNamee’s books! This will definitely deliver you a great read.

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Jennifer Ramos

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The collection of fairy tales was so good and different from other ones I’ve read in the past. Different approaches and perspectives are taken as Berve opens her readers to new possibilities in this realm. Absolutely love the images of the fairy tale museum! These stories were fresh approaches from familiar tales with a unique spin. I very much enjoy these stories and recommend to those faerie lovers willing to give these stories a try!

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary western style romance which kept me happily turning the pages. The storyline features an interracial relationship between college educated Billie Jean Wills and the wealthy Fisher Hines. When Billie Jean finds out that the blacks at the Locke Farm are working under horrible conditions she decides to fight for their rights, along with her cousin Greta Fay. However, to force any real change in their small town they have to take on one of the most powerful families, the Lockes. Billie Jean did not expect to feel an instant connection with the supervisor of Locke Farm, and therefore the enemy, Fisher Hines. Fisher is proud to be the supervisor and has finally gained the admiration of his high society parents, but he can’t deny the feelings he has for Billie Jean. Fisher wants a future and a chance at true love with Billie Jean, but by her going up against the Lockes it threatens everything that not only him but his family has worked for. The small town setting was really brought to life through the descriptive narrative as were the characters. The chemistry between Billie Jean and Fisher sizzled off the page, and I liked how their relationship developed despite several barriers, including race, an age gap and forbidden love. The author is not afraid to tackle some major issues and does so sensitively. An entertaining read, and one which I recommend.

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Donya Pedigo

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Could you be living in a fairy tale right this minute? Caitlin Berve thinks so. As she says, fairy tales are all around us, even in this modern age when I’ve noticed that people tend to pay more attention to electronics than each other. I really enjoyed her unique modern retellings of several fairy tales. She has added magic, intrigue, romance, and just so many amazing aspects that I never would’ve thought of or expected. The twists and turns and details she has put into these stories and her writing is phenomenal. The first story, Letters from a Wu, was my favorite and an amazing start to this book. This story of a changeling was so brilliantly written in a back and forth letter style that I’m sure it made it hard to get the narrative across without it feeling like an info dump rather than a fun, interesting story, but Caitlin Berve accomplished this seamlessly. If you want quick fun stories to read, then definitely check out this book.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Leaving No Traces is Book Five in A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome Series. It is an action-packed, fast-paced, crime thriller that centers around the character of Detective Scala. In his newest case, Detective Scala is attempting to solve the mysterious circumstances around a missing woman whose car is discovered abandoned at a service station. Blood splatter on the driver’s seat indicates that the woman has been murdered and Detective Scala is determined to find her killer and bring the person to justice. As he works to unravel the clues and solve the murder, he finds himself deep in the underbelly of the criminal world where lives do not matter. Detective Scala finds himself fighting for survival against an evil villain. The ensuing story is full of action, suspense, danger, murder, intrigue, corruption, criminals, villains, and twists and turns that will keep you riveted to the very end. The storyline is multi-layered and well written, and the characters are engaging. Detective Scala will stop at nothing to solve a mystery and is ruthless in his quest for justice. I love that he follows the clues and found myself following them as well and trying to solve the murder. This book will keep you reading to the end to find out whodunit. I highly recommend this book!

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author has done it, yet again. She has produced an engaging, entertaining and educational story that had our whole family riveted. This author has joined a small handful of other authors that my kids ask for constantly. We re-read each book multiple times, and every time we do they seem to find a new part that becomes their favourite.
I love the way this author creates something that is fun and yet teaches kids something fundamental. The pictures within the stories always bring them to live too. This was just another example of how brilliant her work can be and we are already looking forward to the next book.

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