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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This book hits home for those who have lost someone unexpectedly. Catherine Keely, a very distraught mom is trying to understand what happened to her daughter. No one seems to “know” what happened to her. Catherine does her best to find out what happened and doesn’t believe that her daughter just fell because she was intoxicated. I am not a mom so I can’t relate to losing a kid, but I have lost my mom and feel like there is something missing. Does she find out what really happened to her daughter, You have to read to find out.

And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book hits home for those who have lost someone unexpectedly. Catherine Keely, a very distraught mom is trying to understand what happened to her daughter. No one seems to “know” what happened to her. Catherine does her best to find out what happened and doesn’t believe that her daughter just fell because she was intoxicated. I am not a mom so I can’t relate to losing a kid, but I have lost my mom and feel like there is something missing. Does she find out what really happened to her daughter, You have to read to find out.

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Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts Series Book 2) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Karyn Taylor

Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts, #2)Kiss Away Your Pain by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Wounded Hearts series. I had loved the first book and was really hoping that Candi would get her own book and was so looking forward to reading her story. I was certainly not disappointed. In fact, I loved this book even more than the first one.
Candi and Enzo’s story hits you with all the feels. It’s a total roller coaster of emotions journey. There was laughter and there were tears. Many tears. I’d have tissues handy when reading this. Or maybe I’m just a total sap who cries at the slightest thing.
Candi is still trying to get over the death of her boyfriend Dom when Enzo comes into her like. It’s been a few years and deep down she knows that Dom would want her to move on and find love again but it’s not that easy. But the more time she spends with Enzo, the more she’s at war with herself.
I really loved reading this story. When reading a romance novel you assume that the HEA is coming, but it’s all about the journey and how they get there. The path to true love does not run smooth and this author makes Enzo and Candi work for it, throwing in a few surprises along the way they I definitely didn’t see coming.
100% recommend.

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Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Karen Pearman

Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by the cover of this book as it reminded me of several science fiction characters. I am glad that I chose to pick this book up to read. It was incredibly good, and I highly recommend it. The author did a wonderful job with the world building and characterizations in this story. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the story and understand the dialect. Once I did, I could not put this book down. I was perplexed by the time travel through wormhole tunnels in spacetime and questioned if this was a real possibility. This book reminded of the movie “Interstellar” in many ways. I was not disappointed.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Misti Maggio

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  • I really enjoyed this book. The world building was wonderful and really made you feel like you were there. I loved the characters and how well they went together. This is a delightful YA fantasy and any easy read. I love reading this author and look forward to reading more by her.

    Review by @mimimadge
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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto

SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book, wow. Pulls you in first 10 pages. I was stuck reading. The author describing the dolls that Erin got from her grandmother. I was all about it. Then later the romantic side came later. I spent all day with this book could not put it down.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think at some point in everyone life people can relate to this book. Having a dream and turning into someone else whether that’s an animal or a person and having an adventure in dream space. It is a touching story. The author does a great job on explaining a child’s life then turning into this grand adventure.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Moriah Venable

Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I saw the cover and the premise for this and just had to read it. Perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Albert is a turkey that lives on a turkey farm. As the holidays grow nearer, people are looking at Albert and not to be a pet.

One day, Albert sees the President on the T.V. where he announces pardons. Albert wonders if the President will pardon so he wont be someone’s dinner.

I went into this, thinking it was going to be funny but I finished it with a more open mind. Albert tries to communicate with the family that picks him, to not eat him. He wants to be the pardoned turkey this year so that he does not end up on a family’s table.

This is more than what the title and cover suggests and I am glad that I read this. I will have to read more of this authors’ books.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Moriah Venable

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is five years olds and sees the world differently than most people. She loves running with her bare feet and just laying on the grass. With each season, there are things that Amaleigha notices about nature.

Those around her have different opinions about her. Her brother believes her to be a ‘crazy kid’ while her grandmother knows she will do great things.

One day, Amaleigha has a great idea and starts putting it into action by telling her family and making sketches.

This was a cute short story. I loved Amaleigha’s imagination and her interest in nature. The artwork was cute too.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Kimberly Wilkinson

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas magic is a way of life

This is my first book i have read from Ann Swann and I think I love this author. Carina has had her fair share of tragedy in her life.
Carina survived the pandemic and also been through death with some loss of her family. A friend she met on an online grief support group offers her a special gift for Christmas. She wants to spend Christmas with her whole family, a big Christmas.  But does anyone care? No one. Just her. Will she travel by herself up to the secret special gift her friend has given her? This was heart warming and a white Christmas. It is a must read.

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jerricka Brown

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a very heartfelt book. I felt a connection to the main character. There were times I found myself drifting into the story while reading this. The author really drew me in and kept me hooked. I will be reading more from this author.

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After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Jerricka Brown

After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author. I very much enjoyed it. All the aspects worked perfectly in this book. I could not put it down. The author’s use of appropriate “period” language made for a better reading experience. I highly recommend this book.

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Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Lisa Helmick

Tink (Devil's Handmaidens MC-Book One)Tink by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author writes gritty darker tales that are not for the faint of heart. She covers difficult subjects with honesty and sometimes gruesome details. This one is no exception.

We briefly met a few of these females in the last Grimm Wolves MC book. They were highly impressive and made me curious about them so I was excited to pick this up.

I loved that this is a all female MC. How different! It was interesting to see how hardened some of these women are but yet they have that softer side. Tink’s tale is tragic as she has suffered much in the past. Her story is deeply involved with her family so we see a lot of then. Noodle is a guys guy who takes a fancy to Tink. He doesn’t only have Tink to gain favor from but a few others as well. That dies cause a few scary moments as well as a couple chuckles or smiles.

The secondary characters are just as involved as the main. We learn a lot about of few others as the tale is told from different POV. I enjoyed this one and really look forward to the next.

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Erin Vosters

Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s enthralling and I did not want to put it down (even if I was super tired).

Jorja Knight is a PI and the case that just got put in her lap has her traveling to Colombia. Naturally, there are surprises waiting for her around the corner.

Such a well-written story!

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Michelle Troyer

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Peggy is a mom of twins who are fast approaching adulthood. She has been a stay-at-home mom and has raised them alone since they were babies, as her husband died in a plane crash. Now that they are heading off to college several hours away from home, what is she to do with herself? The book is a story of how Peggy consumes her time while the kids are at college. She enrolls in a boot camp and meets what becomes her best friends. It is an entertaining story of how they meet and get along and hang out all together. It’s an easy read and kept me wanting more. I highly recommend this book.

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rayne East

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Discovery and romance
This was a fun read! It’s a contemporary romance that has a great balance between romance, comedy and real life issues. Lisa has not had people stand by her and Ryan has had his share of battles. They’ve got to find some common ground. I connected with the characters easily and enjoyed the pacing of their connection. The authors writing style was easy to read and the tension, drama and angst was delivered in a way that had me vested. Looking forward to Book 2.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom

Dream-Shifter is a fantasy/children’s book that is intended for readers ages eight to twelve years old but I think anyone can enjoy reading this children’s book. We are huge fans of this author and this one may be a bit longer than her other books but we made it a fun bedtime story. My son is almost five and he loved this magical story about Gwendolyn and how she has the ability to shift into the animals shes dreaming about. But what happens when she gets woke up abruptly and is stuck as an Elk? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next as we follow along with Gwendolyn and her journey. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Hayes

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt is a sweet, illustrated children’s story that inspires the imagination of both young and old…
She may only be five years-old, but Amaleigha has some really big ideas. She is always off exploring, wondering about the world and nature, taking in everything around her. One day she comes up with a fantastic idea, but it is a bit of a huge undertaking. She explains her idea to her family and so, with their help, her idea comes to fruition.
The story inspires imagination, but also implants the idea that anything is possible. It’s a sweet and fun plot- with bright and colourful illustrations that will hold a child’s interest. The messages are inspirational and easy for children to understand.
This cute and quirky story was engaging and fun, feeding both the imagination, as well as inspiring creative thinking, being productive, family bonding, and contributing to community.
Happy reading!

 

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book #2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Angela Hayes

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny is the second intriguing book in the Apocalyptic (A Quirk of Destiny) Trilogy by Catherine Greenall. This is a gripping dystopian post-apocalyptic thriller with real scientific details as well as sci-fi elements, action, danger, agendas, the paranormal, good vs evil, sinister foes, and plenty of dramatic developments.
As I said with the first instalment, the story certainly packs a punch as Ms. Greenall cleverly weaves a dynamic, detailed, and incredibly descriptive story and paints a truly believable and dramatic picture. I can see this trilogy making a great dystopian movie or TV series.
This book picks up the story we began in Book one, so if you haven’t read the first book yet I highly recommend that you do, as there is a lot of important plot contained in Book #1 that you should know in order to fully understand and appreciate this second instalment- it is a continuing storyline.
If you love intense, post-apocalyptic stories with a highly original plot, environmental messages, believability, danger, and plenty of action- then this is definitely the book/series for you.
This story ends on another cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to get my hands on Book #3 to find out how everything plays out!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Catherine Greenall!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book #2) by Jane Suen – Review by Angela Hayes

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Reckless Heart is the second instalment in the Second Chance Romance Book series by the talented Jane Suen. It is a wonderful, sweet, clean, feelgood, second chance contemporary romance. As expected from this skilled author, Ms. Suen has once again delivered a story full of emotion, touching and tender moments, friendship, family dynamics, angsty misunderstandings, endearing characters, nasty ex’s, matchmaking, drama, hope, healing, and much more.
This is Mary and Brad’s story- we met these characters previously in Book One, as Mary is Katie’s (MFC from Book #1) older sister, and Brad was also a guest at the wedding (in Book #1). He and Mary share a complicated and somewhat painful past. Having been friends at school they share many fond memories, but there were also secret feelings that were never divulged- and when hearts were broken it tore them apart. Heartache and life led them in different directions- but now, ten years later, fate has brought them back together. Old feelings resurface, simmering embers reignite, and hope blossoms. But will past hurt, miscommunications, and resentment cost them their second chance at finding love and happiness? This is definitely well worth the read to find out…
I love Ms. Suen’s books/stories, but especially her wonderful characters. I loved getting to know Mary and Brad better and following them on their story. The characters are all so well-developed- cleverly crafted into realistic and believable individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks and flaws. Including the secondary characters- most of whom are recurring characters from book one. I love that Laurie continues with her sneaky (and clever) matchmaking schemes. She’s a great friend. I love how quirky and likeable the characters are (except the ones we are meant to not like)…
Another great read from Ms. Suen- can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next…
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Jane Suen!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lauren West

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a sweet story with a big message. Gwendolyn was an amazing character. A dream shifter at night, and all it takes is one event to keep her transformed in her shifter form almost permanently. She works with her family to find a cure within a 3 month time. It’s a fun and fantastic adventure! It’s a story all ages will love to read and experience!

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one is a very short read. I do
believe there is room to make it a full story. When I say short I mean 7-10 minutes depending on how quickly you read. The characters could become characters the reader would come to care about. Anyhow considering the length and the characters and story as they are I would say it was both entertaining and disappointing. I wanted more backstory, more twists and turns, more character interaction and more story.

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Tia Martel

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every month Lisa, Mindy, Ruby, and Tina get together for Rom Com Movie night. These nights include wine and facial masks and their favorite romantic comedy movies, because everyone loves a happily ever after.

Lid has never believed happily ever after exists after being tossed from home to home growing up. Before meeting the other girls, she never believed anyone stayed, but her friends became her home and helped her get through each day. With things getting stressful before Tina’s wedding, it seems like life just keeps throwing obstacles in when Ryan walks into the middle of Rom Com Movie Night

Ryan has just decided to come back home and live with his parents while waiting for a new opportunity to arise. He never expected that opportunity to be at Rom Com Movie Night when he followed his brother over.

Falling in love wasn’t on Lisa’s radar, falling in love with her best friends soon to be brother-in-law was far from ideal timing. Now juggling a new love and a best friend believing Lisa’s out to ruin the wedding, Lisa has to decide between the love of her friend or the potential love of her life.

This was such a fun, light read! The characters were relatable and you definitely find yourself rooting for Lisa and Ryan while also feeling for Tina’s fears for her future. It’s a book I would enjoy reading over and over again. I can’t wait for book 2!

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Robin Rankin

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rom Com Movie Club – Book One

I loved this book! It was full of laughs and a few tears and overall quite entertaining. Each one of the girls brings their amazing personality full force in this book.

Lisa grabbed my heart from the beginning. She didn’t have the most stable life growing up but has really come a long way and is a success. I was able to connect with her most of the characters. Thankfully my childhood wasn’t as bad as Lisa’s but still as unstable.

Ryan is back in his hometown after several years away to start over and boy does he. The initial meeting between Lisa and Ryan made me laugh outloud and almost anytime Ruby was there I knew to expect a laugh.

Yes this is a romance, but it also about friendship. Women need to be happy no matter who she has in her life. I love my family but wouldn’t be where I am now without my best friends.

I cannot wait for the next book to be released!

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ashley Westerman

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though this book is aimed toward middle school ages, I still read this to my younger kids (ages 5 and 8). It was easy to read to them and they understood what was happening in the story. They loved every minute of reading this to them and requested we read it again soon. In the meantime, they’ve been pretending to be like Gwendolyn and “shape-shifting” into different animals. It’s so much fun watching them use their imaginations.

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Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Ashley Westerman

Operation BlackbirdOperation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading book 1 in the series, I had to immediately start book 2. I’m so glad I didn’t wait. I was so hooked and read this in no time. So much for cleaning, I had better things to do!!! This one was just as good as the first if not better. Don’t miss out on this book or this series, it’s amazing.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is the first book that I have read from this author it will definitely not be my last. The dark paranormal novella was definitely one of the more interesting books that I have read this year. While it is a short novella it definitely packs the punch of a full novel. The mystery and suspense grip the reader from the very beginning and take them on a wild ride. Overall this book had so many things that made it great that I couldn’t possibly list them all but I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

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The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler – Review by Ashley Westerman

The Brass CompassThe Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. The suspense really got me. I couldn’t believe some of the things Lily went through and survived. This was such an entertaining read that kept me wondering what else could happen. IF you’re looking for something to keep your mind busy for a few hours pick this up today. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Rachel Moss

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute story! I was impressed with the level of imagery the author used for this book, so much so that I feel like unless it’s an older child reading this book, it would go over the top of many children’s heads. I really enjoyed how sweet the characters were, and the focal point of the story being nature. There is a good opportunity in this book to teach children about the changing seasons as well. Overall this was a cute story that I enjoyed reading!

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved all of Lois Wickstrom’s books, but this one was different than the others I’ve read from her. Dream-Shifter is geared towards kids that are 7-12 years old, and everyone in my household enjoyed it! I highly recommend picking this up and sharing it with the kids in your life.

Gwendolyn is a middle school dream-shifter. When she dreams, she turns into different animals depending on each dream, which sounds like an amazing talent! Typically, she awakens as a human again but when she is startled awake, she is stuck as an elk. Gwendolyn doesn’t know what to do next and to make matters worse, it’s elk hunting season! Will she be able to find anyone who can help her, or is she stuck as an elk forever?

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoy Lois Wickstrom’s books and Dream Shifter sounded so promising so I was incredibly surprised by the fact that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Dream Shifter was still chock full of all the wonderful lessons that the author uses her stories to teach such as learning ways to handle our problems in healthy ways, if you can’t solve a problem one way search for another, we are always learning in life’s classroom, animal welfare for the elks during hunting season, how people should always ask before touching someone, and maintaining awareness. One thing that confused me was how the subject matter switched from middle grade to young adult, for example, I’m not really sure that what I would consider middle grade aged children would be thinking about paying for massages before big races. Second, a middle grade child obsessing over winning the race to earn money for journalism school. Also, once Gwendolyn gets to the magic house I couldn’t tell if the other characters were her friends or if they really didn’t like each other because they seemed to be really mean and manipulative. Gwendolyn’s parents also seemed weirdly detached, and behaved as if she was a much older child. Although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would I will still be looking forward to this authors other books and stories.

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