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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow) by Aubrey Wynne is a great historical romance.

You will pay close attention to every word Maeve says. After Roarik O’Neill was killed in the midst of Ireland’s political instability, she is leaving Dublin with her mother Helen. Despite the opposition of her family, Helen, an earl’s daughter, married Roarik after being swept away by passion and adventure. She and Roarik didn’t live in a mansion like a lady would; they made due with a small flat and her scant supplies. Helen was upset by her living situation as well as the fact that her husband loved Ireland more than she did. As a result of her late husband’s political engagement, Helen, now a widow, is leaving Ireland. She does this to protect herself and her daughter from any harm.I found it to be a sweet and moving romance with appealing characters and a heartwarming plot. I adored the overwhelming allure of the Earl of Griffith, widow Lady Helen, and her gorgeous daughter Maeve, as well as their touching tale.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Rise of the Hunter (Blood Prophecy Series) by Barb Jones – Review by Shelly Kittell

Rise of the HunterRise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I found this story to be quite exciting. The Queen and her friends are in for the battle of their life. Good and Evil. The Tall Dark Man makes his return. Having read the first book and then jumping here to book 4 made it a touch confusing but I did finally get my bearings. The story went back and forth giving history of the prophecy leading to the third battle. As a paranormal fan, I love that there’s a bit of everything in there: vamps, stone demons, witches, you name it. Fantasyland. You are pulled right in from the beginning as the story delves right into how the tale began. I found it to be well-written. The time jumps were done smooth so that you could follow the story without getting lost. The Hawaii history was quite fascinating and a wonderful touch to the story. I believe it’s a story worth reading. I do think this is better read in order but you can do stand-alone.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom

Holding up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) is a wonderfully written children’s book that children will love reading. One thing I love most about this author is every one of her books teaches us a lesson of some sort. This one teaches us to work together and not be fearful of those who may be different. My son loved this book a lot. Collen thinks her dad holds up the sky no one in town believes that he does. But what will happen when he puts his hands down? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . We look forward to reading more from this Author.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Kelli Harper

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author is new to me and after many years of feeling lost and alone and unlovable, this book was just what I needed. Following his journey it let me see how he was able to turn his mind around and I truly hope that I am able to do the same. I feel better about things and am going to definitely implement some changes in my own life.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois’s Holding Up the Sky will delight young readers with this next book in the Giant and Monsters group.
Follow Colleen and her dad as they deal with issues of name calling and bullies. Find out what happens when he decides to give up his job and no longer holds up the sky. Who saves the day?
The book is aimed at children aged between 4 to 8 years. Lois’s narrative and the bright and colourful illustrations by Nicolás Milano help make this picture book a fun story.
My grandsons enjoyed it. What child doesn’t love a good friendly giant and monster story.
It’s a great book just because.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

Lois Wickstrom has crafted yet another science/STEM related picture book! The twist on the Three Little Pigs is that each pig studied architecture in school. When they begin building their houses it is to test their ability to make wolf-proof houses. The pigs go through the process of designing their houses by drawling plans, and then they each began building the houses. As an educator I always think about activities that can go with each children’s book that I read. The perfect activity to go with this book would be to have kids research sturdy materials to build houses, and then draw floor plans for their houses. Afterwards, provide materials for students to use to build their houses. Each house can be put to the huff and puff test by having classmates or a strong fan blow on the houses. This is a wonderful book, and I would definitely recommend it for a great summer activity! On a side note, I really like the different font faces used on the pages and how they go with the story.

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom is another of her cute children’s stories. It has bright, colourful, and interesting illustrations that accompany the story, which help to bring everything to life.
This is a bit of an adventure with a few messages/lessons along the way. With some fantasy and a touch of drama, it makes for an engaging and fun read- feeding both the imagination, as well as imparting messages on kindness, cooperation, helpfulness, not to be fearful, and not jumping to conclusions or judging a book by its cover.

Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Whisper Hymer

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling Again is the third book in The Buckeye Falls Series by Libby Kay. This round we follow Mayor Anthony and his party planner wife, Natalie, as they learn to love through hard times. Between kids and work, these two have lost the spark that brought them together. Embark of their journey of rekindling through quirky, loveable characters in this soft romance.

I’d imagine this book could be read as a stand-alone but would encourage reading the books in order. Characters from previous books appear and we get to live in Buckeye Falls once more. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for Buckeye Falls!

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jamie Burns

Japan is the third book in the Tally and The Angel series by Eleanor Dixon. Tally takes the reader on amazing and unforgettable adventures to India, Canada, and now Japan! If you have not read the other books, they are amazing, and I highly recommend getting your reading passport out and visiting the other locations with Tally! In Japan, Tally explores the Japanese culture including sumo wrestlers, museums, and samurai. Tally meets two news friends while her father is on a work trip to Japan and they are excited to interact with her! When Tally visits the museum, things start to get strange and she must rely on Miyu and Yoshi to help her figure out what is going on. Tally seems to have a hack for getting involved with curses, but the big question is can she find her way to break the curse this time?! Each book in this series involves mysteries, suspense, supernatural beings, and an adventure packed full of twists and turns. I love that each adventure helps the reader learn more about the various traditions each country has that Tally has traveled to.

Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Jules Herbert

Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To put it simply, this book was such an unbelievably great read that had me completely captivated from the very start and took me on such a rollercoaster of emotions. Its heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. This VERY talented author is someone new to me but I can say that it definitely wont be the last book from this author that I read. I do offer a handy hint: She tells us how she came across this story and then wrote this book in the authors notes. I had a flick through before starting to read so I read the notes first and I am actually glad I did and I recommend you do that as well.

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Emotional, heart wrenching, forgiveness, guilt…..this is the story of this book. I am gutted but yet find hope when I read each page.

There are 4 survivors of a plane crash many years ago. Over 100 died in the air disaster and somehow the 4 survivors’ lives are forever changed. Julie, the stewardess, tries hard to fight for change, as her guilt haunts her on the loss many, but especially trying to cope with Maria’s son, who was a “lap baby”. Paige was the only “lap baby” that survived, but at what cost. Julie wants change in how the protocol of dealing with a possible air accident and when children, especially lap babies, are on flight. There is a 4th survivor as well, that really comes full circle…but in which way? Will there be forgiveness and healing after 20 years have passed?

This story was fantastic women’s fiction that really felt real….and the epilogue just choked me up as I am trying not let my tears flow. This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by

I thought that the first book in this series was good, but book two is even better!! What an amazing adventure that awaits Tally in Canada where her father moves to become a much needed doctor for the area. However, things are not quite right and Tally soon learns about a curse that she must try to break. There is a lot riding on Tally to defeat the curse considering she might not get to see her dad again if she does not. This book had me on the edge of my seat as Tally met one challenge after another with the wolves and other super natural beings. This is a great series and I am happy to being reading book three soon to see what other adventures await Tally next!

Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read this third novel and return to Buckeye Falls! I loved that we got to see Natalie and Anthony take center stage in this story. We got brief glimpses of the two of them in the previous novels, so it was wonderful to get to know them both better! I loved that we got to see the POV of both characters and their internal and external struggles. The difficulties that they both faced were very realistic, but I loved that they both wanted to try, but were struggling in the execution of it. I loved that we got to see some brief appearances from characters from previous books. This is a wonderful series and I am absolutely dying to get to read the next novel in the series. I just can’t get enough of Buckeye Falls.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Sugar

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve been waiting for this book! The entire series is easily in my top 5 favorite series and I couldn’t wait for more! The first 2 books were about Cole and this book is about his younger brother Damon! The drama, the angst…I CANT GET ENOUGH. I love how Skylar doesn’t give a shit and she keeps her head held high. She doesn’t back down from the “Elite” even if others do. She’s her own person and she stands her ground, regardless what others think. The Hidden Valley Elite is just all around AMAZING and if you haven’t read them, please do! Each book has a cliffhanger and it makes you CRAVE more. I love when books have me invested in them and I can’t think of anything else. READ THIS BOOK!

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Amanda Glaspie

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an intense journey through spiritual awareness and unconditional love. The chapters were short but moved seamlessly. This isn’t your typical story telling novel but it does read beautifully. Ultimately, this is not the typical genre I read but I truly enjoyed it.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom Reviewed by- Jamie Burns

Lois Wickstrom is an amazingly talented children’s book author and she creates wonderful books that children can relate to. In the story, The Messy Kids, is about a little boy named Chester who is having too much fun playing to clean up. Instead of cleaning his room, he decides to go outside to clean the sandbox. While he is outside, he meets the messy kids. As you can imagine, they make a huge mess of the sandbox. The messy kids and Chester go back inside to his bedroom to find toys all over the place. Do they clean the mess, goodness no! It would be much more fun to play. The toys end up under Chester’s bed and mom is not too happy with him for not cleaning her room the correct way. Chester told his mom about the messy kids, and he was told to teach them how to clean up the mess. Will Chester be able to teach the messy kids how to clean up and put away the toys in the correct places? Find out by reading The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a fun children’s book and it is relatable because most children would rather play than clean their room. make a great big mess! I loved the messy kids, in fact, they remind me of Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the hat because they always make a huge mess, but they alway clean it up afterwards.

Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jules Herbert

Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a great story of a second chance at love with wonderful characters, loads of heart and a totally deserved happy ending. Celia and Kyle were definitely meant to be together but her secrets, even kept for good reasons, threatened any chance they may have had for a happy ever after. The whole time I was reading it I was pulling for these characters to finally be together. To put it simply I loved it!!! So get reading!!

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The Hussar’s Duty (The Winged Warrior Series Book 3) by Griffin Brady – Review by Alison Risher

The Hussar's Duty (The Winged Warrior #3)The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I do not enjoy war or warfare itself, there is a special place in my heart for warriors. The main characters are a warrior and his wife in medieval Poland. There are similarities to German spellings and the grammatical syntax of the Russian languages to be quite interesting. These details are compelling as points of history. Another interesting point is the role the wife takes, both in her marriage and her household.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Michelle Austin

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning. I really liked the characters. It has been awhile since I have read a historical romance and I quickly was reminded of why I enjoy them. The author does a great job with her writing. Helen is coming home as a widow with her child. She meets Conway who was sent by her brother to retrieve them. There was something about Helen and her daughter that grabbed his attention. Can Conway get through Helens walls and convince her to give him a chance? This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. 1-click and get started today. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Erin DeRoma

Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very intriguing read. I got very into it rather easily. It was hard to believe it was all true. It was almost like two stories in one, the events leading to Toby’s conviction and then the sisterhood and reform mentioned in the title. This was a very interesting read, a little different from my typical reads. I think this is certainly a must read and honestly could be a good book club read, plenty of topics to talk about it.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Donya Pedigo

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The stories John David Latta shares in this book are so heartwarming, incredibly honest, and powerful that they will definitely leave you thinking about your own life’s journey and how unconditional love might enhance it. I really enjoyed getting to see his life experience in his own words. His writing is so compelling and easy to read that it just draws you into each experience he goes through as if you were truly there with him. It’s awe-inspiring to see what one can go through in life while not letting it shake his unconditional love and faith. This book is definitely one to read for anyone, but especially for those who might need to see they aren’t the only ones that have or are experiencing bad things in life.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Betsy Melano

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical romance that had me hooked into reading the book to the end in no time! I’m sure this is the first time I’m reading a book written by this author. I enjoyed the way she wrote about the characters so that I could connect with them but specifically with Helen. Conway describing Helen as a ray of sunshine, something clicks for him to find ways to show Lady Helen that she needs to be open to finding love again struck close to home for me. I enjoyed this romance for the hope and the strength to carry on after a tragic event. Another good series & author to look for in the near future.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Huff puff Grind was a cute take on the 3 Little Pigs story. I read it to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed it. My son said he doesn’t trust that wolf! He leaned a lot of new words- architect, mortar, saplings, lurking… In this story, the 3 pigs are educated and build sturdy houses, that all withstand the wolf’s huffs and puffs. But, unlike the original, these pigs are smart, problem solvers. They came up with a plan so everyone wins! I loved the illustrations, they are colorful and creative; I love that even the font changes to incorporate into the story.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Shannen Kern

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and was glad to have picked it up as soon as I was drawn to it. I love reading all different genres, but something about memoirs deeply touches my heart. This is my first read by John David Latta but I hope to see much more from him.

The state of his life felt eerily similar so when he started opening up about loneliness, being a single parent, and still wanting some kind of connection, I had tears in my eyes. His way of writing is completely engaging. I felt like I was going on this journey with him and appreciated every moment of it. If you are looking for an emotionally raw, captivating, spiritual and inspiring story, this is the one for you. I highly recommend picking this up and reading his touching and eye-opening journey.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read Helpful Hudson to my 7 year old, and we both enjoyed it. Self care is a real thing, and it is often over looked. I think it is a wonderful message to teach early on. Hudson is so helpful and does so much for everyone else that is is exhausted at the end of the day. It wears him out and then he doesn’t feel like doing anything the next day. He learns he needs to take care of himself, in order to have the energy to take care of others. You can’t pour from an empty cup. The illustrations were cute and enjoyable.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaugh did it again! Brutal Days: Hidden Valley Elite book 3 kept me hooked from page one. It helps that I have read the prequel and the first two books in the series, but you could start here if you really wanted to. It’s worth it to grab the others first though!
Skylar hates sports and athletes without hesitation. She is dumbfounded when her best friend, Gia, falls for the biggest jerk in school, but will do anything to help her friend get the love she so desires.
Damon is NFL bound and elite to the core. He’s a dark, moody, and has a reputation that precedes him (good and bad). Every girl wants him, but he only wants exactly what he wants… and he’s used to getting it.
Isla Vaughn does a great job pulling the reader in and not letting go and Brutal Days is no exception! The characters are mostly privileged teenagers and she does a great job developing their personalities and attitudes. And with that cliffhanger? I need the next book now!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Troyer

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn blew it out of the ballpark again. Such a great book!

The love/hate relationship between Sky and Damon is intoxicating. I couldn’t put the book down. Such an easy read as well. Can’t get enough of Isla’s books. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series because this one leave you with a cliff hanger.

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Jules Herbert

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series! I have read the previous books so I knew little bits and pieces about Natalie and Anthony and I was really looking forward to more of them and their story. I was never disappointed for even a single second! I was hooked from the start but i always am with this talented authors writing and storylines. I can’t wait to go back to Buckeye Falls.
This fantastic book can absolutely be read as a standalone and fully enjoyed, I know you will love the characters and town as much as I do but I do highly recommend reading the whole series because it is simply that wonderful.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Alison Risher

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a phenomenal book! I picked this book because I enjoy reading about Native Americans. I learned so much about Apache culture. Sadly, I was also reminded of things that were quite unpleasant, such as how natives were treated by the government, the army, and even everyday people. The story flowed with authentic pace. Best of all, this book is the first of a series!

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Kristan Anderson

Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lap Baby by Amy Barker was an emotion read. This is the first story that I have read by this author. I admit it did take me a few chapters to really get into the story but I am happy that I stuck with it. The story itself was loosely based on a true story. Experiencing the story from each perspective was enjoyable. It was easy to follow and see how they were intertwined even so many years later. I enjoyed seeing how it had changed each of their lives and how they were handling it through the years. Unfortunately many of the ways of handling the experience were quite negative. Julie fought so hard for change after following orders and losing lives. The story really resonated with me as I have two young kids so I was able to empathize with each of the characters differently.

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