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Cam Creates a Hero (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Shannen Kern

Cam Creates A Hero: Growth Mindset Book For Kids (Courage Tales)Cam Creates A Hero: Growth Mindset Book For Kids by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is part of the Courage Tales series, but you can definitely read them as standalones without a problem. My kiddos and I fell in love with this book immediately as we learned about Cam and his foster family. The illustrations are impeccable and really added another layer to the story. We all thoroughly enjoyed the way the conversation bubbles were created. It made us feel more like we were part of the story instead of just reading paragraphs of ‘he said, she said’ kind of narrative. The story flows wonderfully and has some truly great life lessons around being compassionate and not giving up just because you have failed. The foster family inclusion sparked great conversations in our household which made me realize just how important it is to cover in children’s books. I think this would make a marvelous addition to a library, a daycare, and even your home. I highly recommend picking it up and sharing it with the younger ones in your life.

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Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love ~ A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages Series) by TL Clark – Review by Shannen Kern

Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages; stand-alone historical books by TL Clark)Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first encounter with this author, and as a devoted fan of anything related to Pride and Prejudice, I couldn’t resist picking it up From the moment I began reading, I was absolutely captivated by the nuanced storytelling and rich character development. It is a quick yet thoroughly satisfying read, balancing brevity with depth. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that’s both engaging and immersive. Georgiana tugged at my heartstrings a bit as she struggled with her internal battles. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but fans of Jane Austen-inspired fiction will find much to adore in this captivating retelling. I highly recommend it for those seeking a thoughtful and engaging read!

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Lapidius: Book 1 (A Nation Found Series) by Matthew Runals – Review by Shannen Kern

Lapidius (A Nation Found Book 1)Lapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in A Nation Found series as well as the first book I have read by this author. I was completely engrossed in it within the first couple of pages and didn’t put it down until I finished! I may have skipped a day full of chores, but I’m okay with that decision because this book was simply incredible. The characters are well-crafted and even secondary characters are given plenty of backstories and depth. The pacing is well-executed and although I am quite a bit over the target audience age, I fell in love with it. This is a gripping tale that blends adventure, magic, and the harsh realities of war. If you enjoy the Hunger Games and Harry Potter kind of vibes, you will likely jump for joy when reading this book. Even if it may be out of your comfort zone, I implore you to give it a go!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shannen Kern

Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the second I laid eyes on this beautifully captivating cover, my curiosity piqued. As soon as I realized who the author was, I knew I had to have it in my hands! This author has a remarkable ability to weave intricate tales that always draws me in, and each book feels like a journey into a gorgeously crafted world. This one is no exception!

Although this is a shorter read, it is masterfully filled with rich detail and depth. It’s beyond my wildest comprehension how she manages to create such an immersive experience without losing any momentum! The story flows seamlessly with each chapter unfolding at a natural pace that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I fell hopelessly in love with the characters and felt invested in them right away. The chemistry sizzles and there are twists that I didn’t see coming. I don’t want to give anything away and spoil the experience for anyone! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that combines fantasy with heartfelt emotion.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Places We Call Home by Kim Ann – Review by Shannen Kern

The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins.The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was such a delightful journey into the enchanting world of homes in all their forms. I read this with both of my kiddos and although they are older than the target audience, we still enjoyed ourselves! I feel like rhymes are captivating no matter your age and work their magic even more so when paired with a heartfelt adventure and beautifully crafted illustrations. The rhyming flows smoothly which makes it an excellent choice for classroom read-alouds or bedtime stories. What stood out to me the most was the message that home isn’t just a physical space, but a place filled with love, safety, and connection. I highly recommend grabbing a copy to share the joyous exploration of homes with the little ones in your life. It’s a beautiful reminder that home is truly where the heart resides!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Shannen Kern

Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story and life lesson learned and shared by Buddy the Blue Corgi! My kiddos and I have read and loved the previous books in the series, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be bringing this one home. You can read them out of order or as standalones since they are children’s books, but they do have a nice progressive flow to them in order. The illustrations are just as beautiful as the other books as well and complement the story, bringing Buddy’s world to life. When Buddy is adopted, he starts loving his life with his new brothers, Donut and Salem. There is a trash bandit in the house that keeps making messes in the kitchen, and Buddy is getting blamed for it. Will he be able to prove that it isn’t him? This is an engaging lesson in honesty which makes it a perfect read for parents and teachers looking to spark discussion about characters and values. I highly recommend adding this to your library!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Secret Aftermath (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Series) by Gloria Oliver – Review by Shannen Kern

The Secret Aftermath: An Urban Fantasy Thriller (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 2)The Secret Aftermath: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am blown away again by this author’s sheer talent to craft a captivating tale! This fast-paced sequel in The Discoveries of Julia Xero series picks up right where we left off with Julia. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, I highly recommend you do so before jumping into this one. We plunge back into a world where the supernatural mingles with the everyday, creating an environment that feels both familiar and excitingly strange. I particularly enjoy the author’s marvelous capability in illustrating the underlying themes of identity and belonging. Julia is an amazingly engaging heroine with relentless determination. This is a plot twisting rollercoaster that will keep you guessing the entire way through! If you are looking for a compelling blend of mystery, action, and the exploration of what it means to belong, you won’t want to miss a moment of this.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Unmasking a Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Shannen Kern

Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Book 3)Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Match Made in Montana series, and it is just as wonderful as the previous books! Although I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series, you can definitely read this as a standalone without any confusion at all. Our two main characters, Joe and Abby, are incredibly well-developed. The palpable tension between them creates a compelling love/hate dynamic that kept me engaged to the very last page. Abby has a heavy secret which creates a strong emotional core to the narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, and the secondary characters enrich the small-town atmosphere. Overall, this is a charming read that captures the essence of love in the face of secrets. If you enjoy a clean romance full of love blossoming amidst misunderstandings and hidden identities, this book will not disappoint.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Shannen Kern

Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience (Buddy the Blue Corgi)Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi series, and it is just as cute as the first one! I loved the first book celebrating uniqueness while this one focuses on being patient. Buddy and his family learn about adoption and their forever homes away from the farm. They’re anxious but soon become excited for new adventures. Buddy isn’t feeling special as he’s the last pup left. Will he end up with his forever family, or will he be the only one who stays at the farm with his momma? The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and they really add depth to the story. My kiddos are 8 and 12 years old, and they absolutely adored this book the entire way through. The life lesson of patience really helped settle both of their nerves and started a great conversation between us. I think this would make a great addition to a classroom, library, or even at home!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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To be a Fae Rogue (Realm Chronicles Series) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Shannen Kern

To be a Fae Rogue (Realm Chronicles Book 4)To be a Fae Rogue by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite series, so I was beyond excited when I learned that the latest installment had finally been released, my excitement was through the roof! I picked it up immediately and could barely wait to dive in once I got home. This fourth book in the Realm Chronicles does not disappoint and continues to build upon the incredible foundation laid in the earlier volumes.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to read the previous books before diving into this one. Jumping in at this point would not only leave you feeling terribly lost but would also rob you of the rich world-building and character development that makes this series truly special. The author has crafted a universe so immersive that you’ll want to savor every detail.

Titania is a remarkable character who feels more like a friend than just a figment of fiction. She finally gets to forge her own path without any constraints. Yet this newfound freedom comes with a catch – she must remain in the shadows. The tension rises as she grapples with the dilemma of being needed to save her people while trying to stay unnoticed. If you are looking for a captivating paranormal YA to get absolutely lost in, please pick up this series. The author has somehow made each book better than the last, which is no small feat. As I closed the final pages of this installment, I was left eagerly anticipating the fifth book set to be released in 2025. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this journey!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Shannen Kern

You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #1)You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read a couple of books by this author and loving them, picking this one up was a no brainer. My kiddos and I were particularly excited to see Buddy the Blue Corgi as we have a “different” blue merle corgi of our own! It felt like this book was made just for us, so we dove in straight away.

Buddy learns he is different than the rest of his family and gets upset. Who wants to feel left out? Fortunately, Buddy’s mom helps him understand the beauty of being unique. The lessons taught here are wonderful, and the illustrations are beautiful! I’m excited to continue this series with my kids to see what new conversations it inspires in our home. I highly recommend adding this book to your collection – whether at home, in a school, or at a daycare!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Shannen Kern

A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had previously read one book by this author and loved it so much that I eagerly picked up another. The cover is absolutely charming, and the story is just as delightful. The author held my attention from the very first page to the very last. This clean YA romance features wonderfully developed characters, with Holland standing out as an inspiring female teenage lead. The secondary characters are equally impressive. I also found myself giggling loudly in more than a few places, which is such a pleasant surprise! The narrative flows beautifully, unfolding at a natural pace. If you are searching for a clean YA romance then don’t miss this one. I can’t wait to read more books by this author as their writing style is addictive!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay – Review by Shannen Kern

Driving into the NightDriving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but the cover drew me in as soon as I saw it. It’s a relatively short read, but don’t let that fool you because this is magnificent! A uniquely original M/M paranormal romance that demands to be read in one sitting. We witness a timeless struggle between a hunter and a demon angel whose hatred is palpable, yet beneath it lies a deep, unresolved connection that both complicates and enriches the situation. The author excels in exploring this tension, expertly crafting a story where the boundaries between love and hatred blur. The flow of the story feels flawlessly natural and made it incredibly easy for me to lose myself in the reading groove. If you enjoy a blend of supernatural intrigue and emotional drama, don’t pass this one up. I’m eager to see more from this author and hopefully another book with these characters!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Shannen Kern

Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella (Moore Family Saga)Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I had read by this author, and even though it was a short read, it was still wonderful! I didn’t realize it was connected to a series, but I think it did perfectly fine as a standalone. I definitely want to pick up the rest of the Moore Family Saga now that I’ve gotten a taste of it. This book was the perfect balance between romance and suspense which made it so captivating. Cade and Lecia are very well-developed characters, and their chemistry is off the charts! It also made me want to travel to the Greek Isles as the author used beautifully descriptive imagery. The twists and turns this threw at me made me wonder how the author fit everything into such a small number of pages. If you are looking for a story to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat then you should pick this quick romantic suspense up right now!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Forever to Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 5) by Libby Kay – Review by Shannen Kern

Forever to Fall (Buckeye Falls, #5)Forever to Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book five in the Buckeye Falls series, and it’s my favorite one yet! You can absolutely read each one as a standalone but since the characters appear in each one, you’ll want to get more familiar with them and their background. The author steals your attention in the very beginning with such a spectacularly crafted plot and characters that are even further developed than previous books. Mallory is incredibly relatable and has some lingering feeling from her childhood sweetheart, Beckett. Her little brother, Evan, is about to get married and wants to give a family heirloom to his future wife…but it holds special meaning for Mallory. Beckett is such a dreamy book boyfriend! His grandpa had beautiful words of wisdom before he passed, and Beckett is trying to live up to them. This second-chance romance in a small town is a delightful read with the author’s skillful storytelling and vivid depiction of Buckeye Falls. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of rekindled love or the charm of small-town life, this book is sure to capture your heart. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Shannen Kern

Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago #2)Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the first book in this series, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be snagging a copy of this as soon as it came out! This is the second book in the Titans of Chicago series and what an incredible installment it is. This author has quickly become one of my favorites for their ability to craft such a captivating story from the very beginning. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to find a stopping point anywhere, so I turned my phone on silent, found a comfy spot, and dove right in. This author creates such well-developed characters that you feel completely invested in from the get-go. Nicole and Callum are impossible to not root for! Their chemistry melts off the pages and the Costa Rica getaway was absolutely perfect. Callum may be a Titan, but will he get what he truly wants this time? If you love a steamy forbidden romance with electric chemistry, an engaging plot, and high-stakes drama, this will be the perfect book for you! I am ecstatic to see what is next for this series.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco – Review by Shannen Kern

Andrew's ArmorAndrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I hadn’t read anything by this author before, I picked it up because the cover was cute. I’m always looking for more books to read with my kiddos, and this one took me by surprise. It’s a heartwarming and inspiring children’s book that beautifully blends spiritual guidance with storytelling. We all remember how fun childhood was, but it was also confusing with a number of highs and lows. My kids said this made Andrew very relatable because they both brought up experiences that made them feel not so brave as well. The illustrations are wonderful and add depth to the narrative as well. While I’m not a religious person, I enjoyed reading this book to my kids and teaching them about kindness, vulnerability, and forgiveness. I think this would be a great book to share with the younger ones in your life.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Murder in Prospect (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Shannen Kern

Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer MysteryMurder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had only read one other book by this author before, but the cover caught my attention which prompted me to grab it! I didn’t realize this was the fifth book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series, so I hadn’t read any of the previous books. I didn’t feel lost at any point through the story though, so you can definitely read it as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I am circling back to pick up the rest of the series! Something that stood out to me in this book was the astounding character development. Even the secondary characters added more depth to the narrative which made me feel like every piece was perfectly placed. Eve was such an incredible main character that shows that vulnerability is a strength. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing and have you in suspense, this one is certainly worth picking up. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella – Review by Shannen Kern

Where's Gramma?Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has become a favorite in our household, so we were all excited when we sat down to read this together. The illustrations are beautiful and quite fun as they add more depth to the story. Both of my kiddos loved this book even though they’re a little over the target audience. I also enjoyed myself as we tried to guess where we would find Gramma on each page. It is thoroughly entertaining, silly, and engaging. This would be such a wonderful addition to your home library, a daycare, or even in the classroom. We are all excited to see what else this author creates as we will be following along for the fun!

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Midnight Falls by John Evans – Review by Shannen Kern

Midnight FallsMidnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book by this author, but I couldn’t pass it up after the cover caught my attention. After reading the synopsis, I knew I had to dive in immediately. I’m a huge fan of the horror and thriller genres which meant this was right up my alley. Throw in a paranormal twist and I’m in heaven! From the very beginning, the author subtly drew me in and before I knew it I was reading the last page. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. The plot is expertly crafted with twists and turns woven seamlessly throughout. No matter how well I thought I had it nailed down, the author threw another surprise curve at me! I don’t want to give away any spoilers but will say that this was a magnificently dark book. I have already recommended this book to all of my old school horror-loving friends. If you enjoy a suspenseful thriller with a paranormal theme, I highly recommend giving this book a chance. I can’t wait to pick up more work by this author!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Back in the Ring (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Shannen Kern

Back in the Ring (The Predator #4)Back in the Ring by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is definitely on my list of books to pick up without a second thought as they create some incredible stories. This is the fourth book in The Predator series, and just like the others, it doesn’t disappoint. Bijou was a fantastic character who felt more like a friend than a character in a story. Noah is the perfect book boyfriend! The chemistry between them leaps off the pages, and I found myself fully invested in them immediately. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster with twists and turns throughout. I may have shed a few tears here and there, but there is also plenty of romance and spice! If you enjoy contemporary romances with steamy scenes that don’t overtake the plot, this is a great place to start. Although you can read this as a standalone, you will likely circle back to the entire series because you won’t be able to get enough. I can’t wait to see what other must-reads this author has in store for us!

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G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker – Review by Shannen Kern

G is for Gossamer: A Children's SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC's BookG is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a book and language lover, I picked this up as soon as I laid eyes on it. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but this had all the makings of a promising book. The cover alone is simple yet eye-catching, so it should come as no surprise that the illustrations inside were just as gorgeous! Both of my kids are a little older at 8 and 12, but they still enjoyed this book as well seeing as these aren’t common alphabet books. I think it would have been nice to include the definitions on each page, but I can also understand the simplicity of only pictures. It also helps teach kids a little about context clues. I feel this would be an extraordinary addition to your home library, a classroom, or a daycare. Pick it up and share with the younger ones (and even some older ones) in your life!

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El Diablo (Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Series) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Shannen Kern

El Diablo: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel (Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Series Book 2)El Diablo: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an amazing and suspenseful read by a magnificent author! It is the second book in the Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense series. I have enjoyed many books but this author and this one is no different! I didn’t realize it was part of a series initially, so I read it without any prior background on the plot or characters. I think it did pretty well as a standalone, but it has piqued my interest which made me circle back and pick up the first book! Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of a thriller that had twists and turns throughout the entire story. Just when I thought I had something figured out, the author threw me a curveball! Jessica is such a phenomenal main character that is very well developed. She feels more like someone you know rather than a character in a book. The flow of the story was flawless and everything unfolded so naturally. I sat down to read it as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover and the next thing I knew, I had finished the whole thing. If you enjoy thrillers that are packed full of action, danger, and suspense, this should be your next read. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

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Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shannen Kern

Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun!Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another magnificent book by one of our favorite authors! This is part of the Oscar and Emmy series, and if you haven’t read any of them yet, this is your sign. You can read these in any order you’d like so no worrying about where to start. My two kiddos and I sat down to read this book full of excitement. We read about how to properly take care of our furry family which means also taking them to the vet. It was cute to see my youngest give pep talks to our cats as he tried to give them strength even though it can be scary. As with the others in the series, this book is just as beautifully illustrated all while being incredibly educational. This would make a fantastic addition to a classroom, daycare, or home library. Share this with all the younger ones in your lives to spread the word about cat care!

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Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shannen Kern

Oscar and Emmy Visit GrandmaOscar and Emmy Visit Grandma by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Oscar and Emmy series is one of our favorites in our household, so everyone was excited when I brought a new one home! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and definitely add another layer to the story itself. It also helps keep younger kids’ attention as well as provides context clues. It is a well-timed read since we are planning a vacation, and my kiddos are a little anxious that our fur-mily can’t come with us this time. This is a very educational and informative read to be enjoyed by all ages. It would be a perfect addition to a home library, school, or daycare to share with the young ones in your life.

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Shannen Kern

Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel (Guardians of Camelot Book 1)Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but the cover of this book is beautifully intriguing which made it impossible to ignore. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I was going to love it! This is the first book in the Guardians of Camelot series and it is quite an interesting start. I am a huge fan of all things related to Arthurian legends which made me a giant sucker for this book. I dove right in and didn’t come up for air until I devoured the entire thing! The characters were incredibly well-developed, but Morgan is definitely my favorite. Talia and Taron are magnificent as well. The story flows well and everything unfolds naturally. If this is also a new author for you, don’t hesitate to branch out! This was a fantastic urban fantasy read and I am on my way now to pick up the next book in this series.

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Shannen Kern

Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had only read one book by this author before picking this one up, but the cover was ridiculously beautiful so I grabbed it immediately! This is the second book in The Apothecary’s Curse series, and I found it even more enjoyable than the first. There is a possibility that you could read this book as a standalone but reading the previous book first would result in the best experience by far. I always love when stories are told from dual points of view as it helps me get in the character’s heads a little more, so this won brownie points for performing that flawlessly! This author has an absolutely astounding way of expertly crafting a dark fantasy that demands your undivided attention from the very beginning. I never wanted to put this book down but did so only for the basic necessities during the day and then ran right back to it. Gaelan is a perfect and unforgettable character for this magnificent book! If you enjoy dark fantasy with some historical fiction blended in, please don’t pass this book (or this series) up. I cannot wait to see what else this author has planned for us!

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Shannen Kern

Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was absolutely blown away! It is the first book in the Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series and what a way to begin. It took me a chapter or two to really get into the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up ignoring quite a few chores to finish this because it was so captivating. It’s a great YA fantasy that will surprise you at every corner. Just when I think I had it figured out, the author threw another curveball at me. There are a great number of details to help build the Dragonborn world, but it never felt like the plot was weighed down with unnecessary details. Gillian is an intriguing character with determination and will of steel. To say that I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book in the series is an understatement. I will be waiting as patiently as humanly possible, but three months seems like a lifetime when it’s all I want! To all YA fantasy lovers, don’t pass this one up or you will regret it!

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Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Shannen Kern

Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance (Stars in the City)Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Stars in the City series, and it was just as incredible as the first one, if not more so! Even though this is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a standalone without a problem. You will likely circle back for the first though just for the sheer fact that the author writes a very intriguing and captivating YA romance. It took me a little bit to find my reading groove, but once I did I couldn’t put it down! It’s refreshing to come across a clean romance that has a great plot and well-developed characters that you root for the whole way through. They feel relatable and the author has you invested in them pretty quickly. Paige is a wonderful character with an amazing group of friends. They tell it like it is without sugar coating everything to protect her. If you enjoy slow-burn, clean YA romances, this one is definitely for you! I am excited to see what the next book in the series will bring.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Wrecked: The Merciless Few (The Merciless Few Series) by S Courtney – Review by Shannen Kern

Hooked: The Merciless FewHooked: The Merciless Few by S Courtney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was extremely excited to pick this book up as it is the second in The Merciless Few series. I absolutely loved the first book, but this one is somehow even better! I sat down to read a couple of chapters in my afternoon and ended up devouring the entire thing in a matter of hours. You could probably read this one as a standalone without much of an issue, but you will be missing some important details so I highly recommend reading them in order. We get to know Fiend/Jett in this book and when I tell you that you will need some tissues on hand, I’m serious! This emotional rollercoaster twisted and turned into heartache and danger. The range of emotions covered the whole spectrum as I cried, laughed, and possibly yelled at some things that occurred. If you are looking for a steamy, challenging MC romance to get lost in for the day, this should be the book you pick up. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for the series because I cannot get enough!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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