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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a beautiful love story. Two people heading out West with basically their faith in God. I found this a wonderful story with it’s faith intertwined in the story. Dorothy and Elias are both strong characters that go through a lot and come together in this beautiful story. I love strong writing that is big on faith and inspirational. Those are two items found in this story. Elias does a lot of preparation for this trip to make sure it his calling. Dorothy kind of flew by the seat of her pants, not by her choice. The story showed us that God works in miraculous ways. I recommend this one.

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kitttell

Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carrie found a pair of antique wings that used to be her Grandmothers. I found it fascinating how the story built around the movement of birds in flight. This story was about starlings. It was also about sharing memories with generational memories. Every book this author writes is always fascinating because there is a little tidbit in there about family. This is a science learning book about Starlings. I found out some new tidbits about Starlings in the information section included at the end of the story. A beautiful story that I recommend for any home with children.

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Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Shelly Kittell

Children of the WildChildren of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fascinating story. I loved the shapeshifting aspect to it. The historical part of the story was similar to Tuck Everlasting, as had been recommended. I have never read that book. I did find this story attention keeping, able to draw me in and quite intriguing. I found the characters to be developed very well. The detail was good. It’s a story that I’ll read to my grandson when he’s a little older. I believe it’ll grab his attention.

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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology by SE Smith, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Kyndra Hatch, Candace Colt, Natalie Palma, Winnie Winkle, Electra Gajdos, Stephanie Harrell, Pauline Baird Jones, Cassandra Chandler – Review by Shelly Kittell

Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday TalesFestive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are some truly entertaining tales found in this book. I found alien tales to paranormal. There’s a little of everything. I loved them all because they made me chuckle. It was the perfect read to start the holiday season off with. It isn’t something I would normally have picked up and I am truly glad that the book was recommended to me. I am now recommending it to romance lovers out there. It’s a wonderful holiday read full of short romance reads that are perfect to fill time whether you’re at home or maybe waiting at an appointment, etc. Go ahead, hit that One-Click, you won’t be sorry.

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Shelly Kittell

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a duet collection that you must have. These two stories are the most intense, thrilling, dramatic, adventurous, and most steamy ones that I have read in a while. I couldn’t put the book down. This author is known for her magnificent writing when it comes to mafia stories. This does not disappoint at all. The writing is most engaging and very contemporary. You are sucked right in from the start. The characters are both endearing and adventurous. They are both good and naughty. I couldn’t get enough and I can’t wait to get into book 2 of the Sinful Duets collection.

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A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship #3)A Christmas Amish Courtship by Jennifer Spredemann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet holiday inspired, yet it can be read anytime, romance. Andy and Anne had both gone through some relationship hardships. Andy came back into the fold and had hoped to court Anne. He went about it in a different way. He was a secret pen pal. This intrigued Anne to say the least. Watching this relationship grow and develop was heartwarming and endearing. They did have struggles and were able to get through them. I really enjoyed the story. You felt the emotions. The characters were very relatable. Anne’s family were very supportive of her. It’s a beautiful story that showed God is always with you. A story that I highly recommend.

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Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A bittersweet time, the end has come to this series. We pick up where Wicked Games left of with Shane and Winter. These two have already been through so much. Much of this book is spent dealing with and resolving the issues from their past. Many of the mysteries are solved. I do believe that these two turned into my favorite couple for resilience and strength. The battles they went through. The gang was in this story also: Cole, Damon, Phoenix, Riley, Skylar and Aspen. Mom and Grandad. Even Uncle Lucas had some issues resolved. The book will tie things up. I recommend you read this series in order. It really isn’t meant to be a standalone. It is one of the best darn series I’ve read. My favorite for the year.

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Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn – Review by Shelly Kittell

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nick and Julia are back in this final installment of the Painted Souls trilogy. This has been an incredible series. The author has done a meticulous job of researching details and such to include in this story. His writing is engaging as you read about the cult’s continued efforts to dominate. If you like mystery and suspense, this is one series that I would recommend. I would definitely say to read it in order.

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Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam – Review by Shelly Kittell

Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series, #4)Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the chemistry between Lina and Curtis. It wasn’t stated when they saw each other in the doorway but you felt it because they had a history. This case with the Stiletto family has brought him into danger and all he was trying to do was the right thing. Lina’s job is to protect him. I found the energy and thrill in the writing kept me enthralled right from the beginning. Lina is so RBF that you felt her face showed nothing. When they picked up his parents, that was the best. I fell off my couch laughing. Who cannot relate to that scene? Oh my goodness, the writing is awesome. I felt the suspense, the danger, the thrill and everything else in the story. The mother-daughter tension. It’s a great read that I definitely recommend for romantic suspense lovers.

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Bad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow – Review by Shelly Kittell

Bad at Being GoodBad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an emotionally charged book. Right from the start it deals with the grief from the death of Milo’s brother. Grief is an individual item that we all process differently. We can tell in the story how each character processes it in their own way. Benji was Kellan’s best friend. He promised not to mess around with Benji and tried to keep that promise. This is an intense story that will have feeling every emotion the character’s do. The story is well-written and developed. It’s a very good readd.

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The Befallen by Cambria Williams – Review by Shelly Kittell

The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A truly fascinating story that shows the value of yourself and others. I enjoyed reading this story. It had a wonderful flow to it. The characters were unique and fit into the story so perfectly. To watch Sloane discover herself through the story shows us her inner strength. It’s a very good story. I recommend it.

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Renewed by Sarah Vinduska – Review by Shelly Kittell

Renewed (Fateful Justice Book 6)Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an action-packed romance this is. I fell in love with these characters. The heroine is the star in this romance. She rescues him and then he rescues her. Such a sweet story full of drama. I loved every minute of it. I was drawn in right from the start by these two. This is part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone. It’s an excellent romance for those seeking action-packed. I recommend it.

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Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Shelly Kittell

UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this was an expected romantic treat. I thought Claire was just another spoiled celebrity when I started this. It turns out that there is fa more to her than people give her credit for, even her family. She has multiple degrees and is a pretty smart cookie. One night at dinner with Candie, she meets Nick. He’s cute, also a smarty guy. He’s very creative and an artist. These two are from two different sides of the track. Watching this develop was painful at times but necessary to the story. It kind of felt like “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” I enjoyed the story because you did get to see them grow up and mature into what they wanted, forget the paparazzi.. I felt the characters were fairly well-developed. The storyline was good.

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Orenda by T.S. Simons – Review by Shelly Kittell

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. It truly pulled on Caitlin and Gio’s relationship. Caitlin went through getting married, starting an Ambassadorship, becoming a parent. She was basically dealing with becoming an adult and dealing with those issues that life can through at us, only more. I felt sorry for her because it felt like she had so much piled on top of her. Gio just wanted to love and take care of her. She would tend to push him away. I love how Illy helped her to deal with those issues after a catastrophic event. This book is intense, a little traumatic in parts but also very good. I couldn’t put it down. I was in it for the long haul. Life kept getting in my way but I”d pick up the story again. I did love catching up with familiar faces. I do have to say that as for Francesca, I go with Gio’s vote. I can’t wait for the next book to see where here new position takes her. New things are still in store for Gio and Caitlin and I can’t wait.

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Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia – Review by Shelly Kittell

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jorja Knight always makes for a fantastic read. She is an investigator I thoroughly enjoy reading. In this story, she’s in Istanbul and her bestie, Gabs, is missing. The author does a wonderful job of taking us on a mysterious adventure through the city. Jorja is following every lead she can. I don’t know how she’s not creeped out when her room is gone through.There are twists and turns through the story along with colorful characters that makes this an amazing adventure. A story I definitely recommend for mystery lovers.

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I Am A Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book For Asian Boys by Yobe Qui – Review by Shelly Kittell

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a neat book filled with affirmations for the Asian boy. The illustrations are colorful. The affirmations are positive and focus on doing good things. Honestly, these are affirmations that all boys need to be told. This is a wonderful book that will be a good addition to any family library.

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Hope for a New World by Renee W. Peek – Review by Shelly Kittell

Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fascinating start to this series. We are always hearing about climate change, saving the earth, etc. I loved how this story took the theme and ran with it from the point of the earth talking through special people telling how to save her. This is a story that will grab you. It has some SciFi, some romance, some suspense. I found it kind of exciting all around. I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to see that there are more to the series. I have to see where this goes.

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Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Shelly Kittell

Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Incredible romantic suspense. Cade is a hot security guy I’d want protecting me. Kiera is one I wasn’t to sure about but I’m glad she came into her own as the story developed. This is a story with action, romance, danger, mystery that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat holding your breathe to see what happens. The characters are well-written and it’s nice to see them develop as the story develops. IThis is a fantastic story that really leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next in the series.

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Shelly Kittell

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the best romantic suspense I’ve read this year. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Regan thinks she’s just doing a book tour with Pavlo. Little does she know that her so-called “friend/publicist” Isla, has set her up for danger. This journey is full of twists, turns, deceit, and lies. I fell in love with this story because it’s fast-paced. The action and romance is nonstop. The chemistry between Pavlo and Regan is really good and ready to combust if people would stop knocking on the door. I enjoyed watching the chemistry and denial between Finlay and Drake develop. I would love to see a story their. Those two are in serious denial. This is a great story that I couldn’t get enough of.

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have truly sat and tried to figure out what to say about this story. I have read both stories. this book touched me so much. It’s really an emotional story. They both have tremendous emotional issues to deal with. Watching their emotional relationship develop was beautiful yet painful because her adoptive parents were supportive, yet not. There are so many issues in the story. It touches your heart and you want to root for them because they go through so much. You just watch them work through it and though Annie seems immature, she is a strong woman. She is just young and has a big trauma. Cal, however, is older and is dealing with a large loss. It’s a beautiful story that I would recommend. I’m in awe of both stories.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Shelly Kittell

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story pulled me right in. Mimi gets pulled into a mystery when her friend, Roz, sells a “cursed” diamond to her dad, Max. I couldn’t help but be pulled in by the “human spam” telling Mimi about the men following Roz that then followed Mimi, etc. It was like a domino chain falling over. The mystery started and you couldn’t stop. You had to follow it to the end. Thankfully, Michael was there to help her because she was way in over her head at times. I came into the series here at book three and I will be going back to book one. You can read as a stand alone. The characters are awesome. They are totally relatable. The story is very engaging. It’s a fun cozy as you solve the mystery.

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell

Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It just keeps getting better and better. Mikayla learned about familiars in this book. She meets her grandmother. You’ll have to read the story to find out what happens. A lot of questions and some are answered. The adventure is still absolutely wonderful. Some of her friends part ways. Griffin is still in the picture and I’m waiting for the answer to that mystery. This is a wonderful paranormal series that is a must read. I can’t wait for book 5 to come out.

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell

Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, so many more questions brought up now. The mystery continues as Faunia and the Crones are out to get Mikayla. I felt like I was on the journey with them. Feeling left out and not being able to use her helpers, she has to get through a lot of this on her own. She still doesn’t really know who to trust. The adventure is there. She’s learning the magic as she goes. Griffin is playing an integral role and I’m waiting to see what it is. Nobody can remember him. I’m loving the twists and the characters. This really is a series you can dig into. You definitely need to read it in order to understand it.

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell

Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Year 2 and the trouble continues. Makayla is back and finds herself find up for the inter-academy games. Oh man, the pressure keeps adding on and they haven’t even taught them magic yet. No one from the previous year was allowed to transfer so everyone is back. I love this series. You have the home drama with Mom and her lies, and her brothers. You have Professor Woolsey and the Aegis Stones. You have Griffin who noone can seem to remember. So many little subplots, yet they still go so well together. It’s like a paranormal version of Harry Potter, only darker. I love the entertaining characters. Who can you trust? Twists and turns and Crones, oh my. On to book 3.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another entertaining installment in this series. I love reading these. Sparky is a humorous 11 year old that cracks me up as she tries to survive on the streets and not get caught while she’s trying to solve mysteries. A colorful cast of characters is involved in the story from Mugs to Chum-Chum and more. Oh, the giggles the story gives me. I so enjoyed this story.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really thought inducing book. Do we really know what we want at an early age? I can remember thinking I knew what I wanted at 16. I was wrong, of course. We see Cal on his journey through life. He’s a surfer so the analogy of his looking for the perfect ocean fits as he goes from woman to woman looking for that perfect love. He is missing something in his life. I’m looking forward to reading the other book in this series because it also gives a look into his relationship with Annie. I recommend this one. It really is worth the time. One of the best fiction that I’ve read this year.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Shelly Kittell

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting cozy. Ivy is a very optimistic person. It’s all going good for her and she believes it’s going to get better. Meanwhile, threats are coming in. I enjoyed the story. It really is quite entertaining. The dogs are colorful characters. Ivy and her friends kept the story colorful and engaging. I wanted to follow them as they tried to figure out what was going on. I was not a superfan of her boss. He’s a little sexist. Overall, great read, I’m going to read more of this series.

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Shelly Kittell

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cool book! I wish they had books like this when I was littler or even when my kids where smaller. Just the bite size affirmations such as “I am focused on my day!” can make a difference to a child’s outlook. These affirmations are full of life, hope, and joy. It makes you smile reading them. The pages illustrations are bright and colorful. They jump out at you and just bring life and happiness. This will be a great gift for my grandchildren.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Shelly Kittell

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, how I love this author! She brings to her stories the fact that being special is okay. We have Nemo, the cat who quietly meows, and Luna, who just can’t get her howl on. These two become best buddies. Can’t give too much away. You need to read this story. They are always so beautiful and heartwarming. The love of friendship and family will bring out just what Luna needs. A story that will be add to my collection to be with Jake the Growly Dog. Well done! I love Luna and Nemo!

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Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Shelly Kittell

Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an emotional story that hit me right in the feels. Two people with some issues to deal with. They had a betrayal happen in college that caused some major hurt. A second chance at love happened with a chance to help a family in need. I was into this book right from the start. Another story that hits a little close to home. It felt very realistic and vulnerable. It felt emotional and hearttorn, heartwarming at the same time. It’s a story that you can totally dig right into because you can feel that things will work out . A beautiful story that is worth reading.

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