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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Shannen Kern

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My kiddos and I absolutely loved this story! The illustrations are beautiful and my youngest wanted me to linger on each page a little longer just to take them in. Every teacher is different with their styles and the way they relate to their students, but they ALL care so much about their kids year after year. Teachers love to watch their students finally grasp a concept or share knowledge they have with others in the class. I highly recommend reading this with the kids (and teachers) in your life!

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Shannen Kern

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My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought the cover of this book was pretty cute as I love to travel, so I picked it up without paying much attention to the synopsis. I dove right in and found myself in love with Tessa and Simon, who seem to embody the ‘opposites attract’ theory we hear so much about. I found myself engrossed in all of the places these two keep encountering each other, and I would have had such a difficult time turning away after just the second meeting! The story flowed well, and I couldn’t read fast enough to see the ending through the emotional rollercoaster. I highly recommend if you like deep emotions that bring out a tear or two!

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Shannen Kern

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Sacrifice Bunt so much! Zara is such a strong and sassy main character which made me fall hard for her pretty much immediately. She isn’t reserved and knows exactly what she wants. Or does she? Noah ruffles her feathers from the very beginning, and I absolutely love their energy together. I enjoy the spice and humor throughout this story. Bree Kraemer knows just how to bring all of these characteristics into a marvelous read that you’ll struggle to put down (or in my case, shirk all responsibilities until you finish). I’m excited to read the third book already, so pick up the first two so you don’t miss out!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannen Kern

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have come to love every single book I’ve read by this author, and the Hidden Valley Elite series has become one that I follow very closely! I’m a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers romance so this was a perfect read for me. I enjoy how the author seamlessly ties in the characters from previous books and makes you feel all of the angsty emotions. Reading this has me primed to learn more about Aspen and Phoenix’s story, so I am keeping an eye on the release date! If you love a bully, enemies-to-lovers, adrenaline pumping, emotional rollercoaster, then this one is for you. I highly recommend picking up the series from the beginning to soak in all of the chemistry and background for each character!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shannen Kern

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series has been a complete surprise to me and knocked me off my feet. Each book had me absolutely absorbed throughout the entire story, and Soul Redeemed is no different. The author clearly didn’t have to stretch to make it to five books as I didn’t feel any lulls at any point. I am invested in the characters, but specifically Julia since she has come from such a harrowing past. You will feel every emotion as your own and you’ll be at the edge of your seat through every twist and turn. I definitely recommend starting from book one in the series because it is a complex world, and you’ll kick yourself for missing out on this author’s amazing writing style. The entire series flows so flawlessly, it comes with the highest recommendation!

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shannen Kern

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know how the author does it, but each book in this series keeps getting better and better! Between Darkness & Light has definitely hit my heart the hardest so far. You can feel Julia’s pain and torment throughout the story, and it is just completely and utterly heartbreaking. She copes with these dark emotions in the only way she can think of at the time, and even that tears me up inside. The author pulls you into this world and makes it feel like you are experiencing the story. I was so invested in these characters and need to know how everything is going to end up!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shannen Kern

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t often run into a series that actually gets better with each book, but I’ve found that in the War of Destiny series. I was taken by surprise with how quickly I became completely absorbed into this world. Julia is finally feeling comfortable with her life, so of course the author shakes us out of that dream with completely unpredictable scenes and incredibly detailed world building. I caught myself staring at the book in disbelief as she encountered some major betrayal and drama. Do yourself a favor and just pick this series up. Start with the first book or you’ll be totally lost. I can’t wait to see what’s next!!

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shannen Kern

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW. I absolutely loved this book! It’s a magnificent start to the War of Destiny series, and I am definitely putting this author on my watch list. Their writing style is addictive, and I couldn’t get enough. Be sure to check the trigger warnings that the author so thoughtfully provided so you aren’t caught by surprise. Julia has been through so much in her life and is faced with a decision that she knows will change everything. You’ll never be able to guess what happens next as this emotional rollercoaster takes you for a ride! I highly recommend picking this up if you enjoy a good vampire fantasy read.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Shannen Kern

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

This was such a delightfully refreshing children’s book that encourages readers to consider the importance of self-care. I feel like it’s such an amazing topic to start teaching kids at a young age because it’s typically not brought into the picture until you’re older and very stressed out. Helping Hudson is a magnificent jumpstart to the conversation and there’s a good chance that adults would benefit from reading this as well. I love that the author shows helping others is great, but helping yourself must remain in your focus as well. This was cute and my kiddos absolutely loved it. I’m grateful for this author and can’t wait to pick up more from them!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1) by Aria Skylar – Review by Shannen Kern

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1)Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was drawn in by the cover and by the time I read the synopsis I was sold. Twisted Eros is the first book in the Modern Mythica series, and it is a steamy start! I love that it is a bit darker with twists and turns. I didn’t want to put this down at all, so I read it in a single day! Kay is such a strong female character and seems to have everything she could want in her professional life. While we all know that vacations are absolutely necessary, her sisters book an extra special month-long vacation for her. Will this vacation with a smoking hot stranger show her a side of her she never knew existed, or will she just end up longing to get back to her successful career? I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the second book! I highly recommend giving this book a read especially if you love spicy romances.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My kids always love it when I bring a Lois Wickstrom book into the house, so we were excited to dig into this one! We get to read about Chester whose mom wants him to clean his room. He plays around for a bit but much to his surprise he meets some alien friends! It’s a pretty fun and wacky adventure with Chester and his friends. The illustrations are beautiful and really add depth to the story. This has a great flow and isn’t too long so the kids should stay interested! My kiddos loved to play with their messy kid friends after we read this. I highly recommend picking this up and reading it with the young ones in your life!

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Shannen Kern

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories)Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This may be my favorite book in the series thus far! While it is the third book in the Central Florida Stories series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. You will likely find yourself picking up the previous books though because Victoria Saccenti will hook you in the beginning and never let go. The story of Ethan and Siena is an incredibly spicy enemies-to-lovers adventure that you won’t want to put down. I was completely engrossed once I picked it up and finished it in one day. I couldn’t focus on anything else at hand, only Twisted Proposal. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up and lose yourself in this twisty emotional rollercoaster!

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Undeniable (Central Florida Stories Book 2) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Shannen Kern

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Undeniable (Central Florida Stories, #2)Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Undeniable is part of the Central Florida Stories series, but it can be read as a standalone if you prefer. You will probably want to pick up the other books anyways because Victoria Saccenti’s style of writing is absolutely addictive. This read is full of riveting action throughout the entire book and has some HEAT. The spicy scenes definitely add to the story and don’t seem like unnecessary fluff the way some mature books can. You will love every moment of Arely and Kurt’s story and hang on to each word closer than the next. Don’t miss out on an amazing romantic suspense read or you’ll regret it!

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Deception by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Shannen Kern

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Deception (Central Florida Stories, #1)Deception by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Central Florida Stories series, and it starts off with a bang! I hope you’re ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions because that’s exactly what Deception is. I was drawn to this book by the synopsis that gives you the main premise, but definitely doesn’t give anything away. I don’t want to spoil anything by saying too much, but I promise you will be hooked to see what happens with Joe and Hunter. I tried to read as quickly as humanly possible to figure out what was going to happen next, but I never saw what was coming! I highly recommend picking this one up.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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

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

Talks Like Thunder is easily the most powerful and emotionally charged book I have read in quite some time. I was heartbroken and enraged reading this, but that usually means the writers are doing a phenomenal job. While this is a quicker read, you will be taken aback by the amount of detailed storytelling that the authors are able to pull off seamlessly. The flow of the story is amazing, you root for some characters while silently loathe others. I can’t think of anything that I would change about this novella. I am pleased to see that it is only the first in the series, so I will unquestionably pick up the others as well. I highly recommend picking this one up. It isn’t in my normal range of everyday books, but I would have certainly regretted passing on it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Shannen Kern

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Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by Danielle Jacks, but it is FAR from the last! I am blown away by the raw emotions that were so vividly painted in this story. I’m always a fan of books told in dual point of view, so this was right up my alley. Rose and Titan have an unspeakable connection that you can feel right away. I was reading quickly to see what would happen next and taken on twists and turns throughout this rollercoaster. I am absolutely going to pick up other books by this author because she has created an amazing world that I just can’t get enough of. If you enjoy paranormal romance reads, this one is definitely for you so don’t pass it up!

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Shannen Kern

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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: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first non-fiction book I’ve read in quite a while, and I am absolutely blown away! The sheer amount of emotion that this memoir evoked in me is astounding. Toby tells her story sparing no detail and puts you in her shoes. I couldn’t read fast enough as she really has a great way of writing that just pulls you in and won’t let go. I truly appreciate Toby being so incredibly courageous, vulnerable, and forthcoming with this experience. It’s eye-opening in the most unexpected of ways. I highly recommend giving this book a chance even if it isn’t in your normal wheelhouse, it will likely knock you right off your feet.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Shannen Kern

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoy reading in my spare time and typically it takes me a chapter or two to really find my groove. That was not the case with Underneath the Whiskey. I was immediately drawn into the story from page one. It was SO unbelievable how quickly everything played out in my mind. This is an emotional rollercoaster that takes your heart and puts it in a vice. On paper, it can sometimes seem easy to make decisions especially when you’re not involved, but I was completely and utterly invested in Benjamin’s life. I’ve already grabbed a couple of other books by this author because her writing style is stunning! As always, you should check the potential triggers that she has lovingly put in the front. Trust me on this one, don’t pass on picking this book up. It’s a must read!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen Book 3) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Shannen Kern

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen, #3)Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love picking up books by Morgana Bevan because I know I am going to be fully entertained throughout the entire story. Acting Counsel is no different as I was pulled in on the very first page and read the book in one sitting. I love how relatable the characters are, and the chemistry seriously pops off the page. You can feel the emotions that Catrina and Nathan are going through in each chapter. I’m a sucker for a good romance and with the humor and sass thrown in, this became an instant favorite. I appreciate that the author doesn’t rely on the spicy scenes to carry the bulk of the story, and everything flows nicely. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book as well as the rest of the series!

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Shannen Kern

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read books by this author before so when I saw Married Blind pop up, I knew I wasn’t going to pass on it. I love their writing style and the way they are able to make a story flow so flawlessly that it plays like a movie in my head. This was a great romance that has quite a few moments that will have you second-guessing what comes next. Abi and Finn have found themselves on a reality show and in a marriage-of-convenience. It seems like they are going to breeze right through faking this relationship, but what happens if one (or both) of them catches real feelings? I loved this read and I think you will too!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2) by Russell Archey – Review by Shannen Kern

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Ghosts of AldaGhosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book first and definitely got a bit lost, so my tip is to start with the first book as intended! After orienting myself, I was able to dive into this book headfirst and get completely absorbed into the world that Russell Archey has created. I would say that this is one of my favorite genres so I can be a tad picky when reading new books under this umbrella. I’m happy to say that The Obscured Throne is one of my top favorite series in the past couple years and have already recommended it to quite a few of my friends. If you’d like to get lost in a darker fantasy story, this is definitely for you. Be sure to start with the first book in the series so you don’t have to double-back like I did. I highly recommend picking this up as you won’t be disappointed!

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The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Passion of 3The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have picked up books from this author before and I’m never disappointed! The Passion of 3 is a wonderfully written story with plenty of MMF steamy scenes and a beautiful love story between Caro, Nash, and Greyson. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster and couldn’t stop reading long enough to do anything. I read this in one sitting because I HAD to know what happened. I really enjoyed the message of life without love just not being all it’s cracked up to be. I highly recommend picking this up especially if you enjoy MMF and second chance romance stories!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Shannen Kern

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

This was a wonderful start to the Ground Rule series! It was also my first read by Bree Kraemer, and I’m already picking up other books by her. I absolutely loved the emotional story of a second chance romance with Kyle and Celia. You will feel the heartbreaking past and be torn by the choices they have to make. You can feel their chemistry and will be speeding through the book asking yourself will they or won’t they?! This author has definitely been placed on my watch list because I love their writing style! I highly recommend picking this up and getting lost in this amazing fast-paced sports romance.

 

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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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: 5 of 5 stars

What another fun retelling of a classic children’s story! We love bringing home Lois Wickstrom’s books because we all know we are for a super great read as well as some good conversations afterward. The illustrations are just beautiful and help set the feel of each scene as we move through some smart piggies! Both of my kiddos loved it as they are really interested in anything STEM related, so I feel like this book was perfectly timed for this family! The story flows amazingly as always, and the author once again shows how well putting your mind to a tough situation (especially together) turns out if you don’t give up. I highly recommend picking this up and enjoying it with the little ones in your life. I bet you all have a wonderful adventure!

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Shannen Kern

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

I picked this book up because the cover was gorgeous, and the name intrigued me. After reading the synopsis I knew I would love this book, and I was right. This was such an emotional rollercoaster and took turns that I wasn’t expecting at all. I definitely sat on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book. My heart broke, I cried, I yelled, and I smiled along as each person told their perspective of that tragic day. I don’t want to give any important details away, so I will just say that you should definitely give this one a chance. You won’t regret letting it touch your heart and give you a new way to look at events in your life. I highly recommend this book!

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shannen Kern

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Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by Debra Parmley, and this one is no different! I was quickly pulled into the 1920s alongside Bethany who is trying to find her way in a world that has always been dictated for her. As she turns 18, she begins to learn of the opportunities and endless possibilities in her life. The author did such an amazing job truly setting the scenes of this era, and the story flowed so seamlessly. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series to continue the adventure!

 

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

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

I read this in one sitting unable to complete any other tasks as it had my complete and undivided attention! This is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and didn’t feel lost at all. However, after reading this book I am absolutely picking up not only the rest of this series, but other books by this author as well. I am addicted to their storytelling capabilities. I felt like I took an emotional journey along with Helen and Conway, twisting and turning in a will they, won’t they read. Maeve is also a gleeful addition to the story as most children tend to be. I loved every scene she was in! If you enjoy romances on the cleaner side but still full of the raw emotions of a second attempt at love, please pick this one up. It’s a quick read and given the chance, it will sweep you off your feet!

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

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

Although this book is the third in its series, I took a chance to read it as a standalone and still loved it. I’m so glad I did because it led me to pick up the previous books as well since the author’s writing style is just magnificent. I don’t typically read this genre, so I was taken by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. The flow of the story, the incredible details, and the thrilling adventure of it all were fantastic! I also enjoy it when there are maps placed at the beginning as I am very visual, so a big bonus there with me. It did take me slightly longer than usual to find my groove with this book, but I still give it 5 stars because I blame that on my not reading the previous in the series first. I absolutely recommend picking this up if you are at all interested in historical adventures because this will be right up your alley! Even if that’s not your thing, like me, you may be pleasantly surprised with the story.

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

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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.

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Shannen Kern

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Breathless Love is part of The Bennetts of Langston Falls series, I read it as a standalone and still enjoyed it without any confusion. Even though I read it as a standalone, it gave me a peek into K.G. Fletcher’s writing style, and I am in LOVE with it!

The author really put my emotions through the ringer with this book. I laughed, cried, yelled, and then repeated all over again. The chemistry is absolutely palpable, it just jumps right off the pages. I’m also a country girl at heart, so I’m a sucker for a good old-fashioned country romance. I instantly fell in love with Hank and Ella Mae’s story. The author has such a brilliant way of drawing you in as if you’re experiencing everything firsthand. I am on my way to pick up all the previous books in this series so that I’ll be fully prepared when the fourth book drops!

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