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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Faith Jackson

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book teaches a young woman lessons about friendship, love and betrayal. The way Ms. Krysten Hager writes her stories are something anyone young enough to acknowledge can learn from. This book is interesting but brings you back to your teenage years if you’re a mature woman who likes reading the young adult genre. Pick up your copy and you won’t be disappointed!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mikayla’s first year at The Grave Digger’s Academy turns out to be pretty adventurous. The seventh-born witch/daughter brings secrets and challenges. Mikayla makes new friends and enemies as she tries to unravel a few mysteries. Great YA book. Fans of Harry Potter may just love this series. Looking for to reading sequels. The characters each have their own quirky personalities. The whole concept of there being a difference between gravedigger and grave digger could keep you intrigued just by that. The headmistress has a few secrets of her own. Mikayla solves a few secrets in this installment but is only left with more answers.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Lisa Helmick

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a series that is going places. I love the uniqueness of the storyline. Witch stories I am not a fan of and I didn’t realize that going into the book this is filled with them. I am over the moon about these characters though. Young kids picking their schools and how their choices become their reality. Its a loose Harry potter style and that is what intrigues me. The unknown and craziness of getting there and finding classes and friends.

I do think a lot more time could have been spent on building the world there. It seemed kind of skippy. A lot of time is spent getting there but once at the academy I felt like one class in then we are at the end of the semester/year. But other than that is a wonderful new world and interesting new characters. I look forward to more in this series.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Lianne Probert

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

Grave Digger Academy is the first book in a three-part series by C.A. King.

As the title suggests, the Grave Digger Academy isn’t your average school, and, even in the paranormal world, it isn’t a place you want to end up attending. Unfortunately for Mikayla, when she doesn’t get into her first choice of school, this is exactly where she ends up. As Mikayla is introduced to this new, undesirable, side of her world, she also faces other challenges that make her question everything she thought she knew.

I think the author does a great job at this new twist on a paranormal world, and even though the story was fast-paced and full of action, I felt like I knew the characters well.
This book is aimed at the Young Adult audience, but I certainly enjoyed it. This was a great introduction to the series and I’ll definitely get book two now.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Angela Hayes

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Grave Digger Academy is a really fantastic paranormal YA story and first book in the Grave Digger Academy series by C.A King. This is the second time that I have read it and have enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time around.
Makayla is about to start off her academy education- unfortunately she missed out on placement in her preferred academies- which means her only choice is the one academy that no one really wants to attend, Grave Digger Academy. But there just might be more to Grave Digger Academy than Makayla expects- and so her supernatural adventure begins.
A fun read!

Thank you, C.A King!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by April Smith

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Star Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. This is a continuation about the life of Hadley and her friends. You get drawn in with first teenage love and an entire boatload of girl drama. This book totally brings you back to the days of middle and high school of you are reading it as an adult. This book doesn’t disappoint and is a perfect YA read.

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Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by April Smith

Next Door To A Star (The Star Series Book 1)Next Door To A Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Star Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. If reading this as an adult, it will bring back lots of memories from middle and high school. You have all the drama and emotional teenage angst among these pages. Along the new girl to town trying to find her way, make new friends and seeing where she belongs. This is a perfect YA read and if doesn’t disappoint.

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in Hagar’s Star series and it is every bit as good as the last.

So Hadley’s life is a lot better off starting out in this book then the first. She’s living in Grand Haven, where she can see her grandparents and favorite aunt whenever she wants. She’s got a great, sweet boyfriend. Unfortunately it’s not all perfect, since her boyfriend is currently being pursued by a former television star; whom he used to have a huge crush on by the way.

Hagar has the kind of writing style that will transform you back into a teenager. From every insecure feeling, to family, friendships and relationships.

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Competing with the Star by Ms. Krysten Lindsay Hager is one of the better stories that I have read this summer. The thing that I love most about Ms. Hager’s stories are how realistic everything is. Everything that is included in her stories is something that could easily happen in real life, and it helps keep her readers glued to the pages. Her main characters in Competing with the Star are beautifully written, both characters have a kindness that will make you feel warm and fuzzy, and their personalities are so caring they will make your heart melt. Competing with the Star is full of friendship, first loves, and the ups and downs of life in general, making it a very easy story to get lost in. So if your looking for a great summer read then I highly recommend Competing with the Star.

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Competing with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Heather Knalls

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Krysten Lyndsay Hager had done it again. I loved this second book in the series. Hadley seems to adjusting to her new life after moving. She has the perfect boyfriend, Nick and lots of new friends including ex star Simone. Could things come crashing down? Hadley had been talking to Simone and letting her know how sweet and caring Nick is. Simone has never looked at Nick in that way until now, could this ruin Hadley’s friendship with Simone and her relationship with Nick? What will happen with these new feelings.

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Sarah Devereaux

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Competing With The Star is the second book in the Star series by Krysten Lindsay Hager.

I highly recommend this series! I really enjoyed this second book and felt I connected with the characters even more than when I read the first book, Next Door to a Star.

Hadley is at her new school with her new friends and her cute boyfriend, Nick. Life is the best it has been for her since she moved to Grand Haven. She and Nick have a great friendship and a great relationship as well and they can talk to each other about just about anything.

When Hadley finds out her boyfriend used to have a huge crush on her best friend Simone, Hadley’s whole world gets shaken up, and not necessarily in a good way! What could possibly go wrong when your best friend is a former TV star?

I really felt connected to this book and series as a whole. Even as an older adult, I could relate to how Hadley felt about that first relationship and the feelings of insecurity and if she was good enough or doing the right things. I could also relate to the friendships, and lack thereof, and how you don’t always know if your friends are who you think they are in the end.

YA contemporary is one of my favourite genres and I really feel this series would be a great addition to any young teens book collection and I highly recommend it for the 12-18 year old age range. I hope that someday Krysten writes a third book to let readers find out what happens between Hadley and Nick and the rest of the gang.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Piper Foster

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger is the academy no one wants to be at. It is a lovely quick read. Very fasted paced which I enjoyed this however does not take from the story at all. All in the bottom of the bottom academics. This actually read better than I expected. Mikayla is the daughter of a big family and is not fitting on with the rest of them academically let’s see what the future holds.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Kerry Carr

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

I really enjoyed this book. It is a YA paranormal story and contains witches and magic. As you can imagine with young witches learning new magic things done always go the way they should.
The author does a really good job at bringing the paranormal world to life and the story is magical and funny which keeps you reading.

In this story we follow a young witch called Makayla. She is unsure of her power and coming from a powerful family she wants to prove to them she is as good as they are.
However when she doesn’t get into her choice of school she ends up at Grave Digger Academy. This is an place no one wants to end up and Makayla wants to leave as soon as she can.
The Grave Digger Academy turns out to be harder than she expects and things turn into an adventure when the dead she is supposed to stop rising decide that they don’t want to play ball and stay where they are suppose to. Dead and buried.

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven #1)The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this young adult paranormal story. This is one of my first books by this author which I enjoyed how she brought the characters to life with her attention to details. They are connectable and make the story engaging. This is a well written story that pulled me in from the beginning and made it fun to read. Lucy has found herself in a new town living with family after the death of her mother. She just wants to fit in but finds that her destiny has something else in mind. She is a gifted young teen that finds herself in the middle of good and evil. What happens with Lucy you will need to find out. She kept me turning pages because I wanted to know what would happen to her next. Will the darkness destroy things before she comes to terms with her destiny? She is such a great character, I just loved her. She made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed this book and needless to say this is a start to an amazing series, and was very well done and I’m quite eager for me! I loved the authors techniques in writing this amazing novel, from the characters and how they grew and changed, from how words played to describe not only the events and the scenery, but as well as the minds of the characters very thoroughly, this was a rare gem and left me very impressed and happy to pick up this novel and look forward to where the characters are at, to what hey will face next, with it be good intentions or perhaps something more of a more darkening sense?

The main character which to me is so relatable in more ways than one is named Makayla…she is to study at what is called The Grave Digger Academy. Trust me, she was deeply against being there in the first place more less, although perhaps she would learn soon enough that the the old saying the universe has a plan always, maybe there was more truth in the sentence than she was willing to believe?

Makayla is very headstrong, and doesn’t want her life mapped on a star collision for her life. She wants to choose her own destiny and make her own decisions that will make forth a path that only she can follow as it will be the one she has chosen and willingly made. People she meets quickly choose a side to love or hate her. As much as people she could trust join one more side, the ones perhaps with less good intentions quickly make a side. But will this dividing up impact her more than she believes or again is this something the universe is planning as if all the students of the academy are more less like pawn sin a chess game? waiting till one is knocked out to reach the one piece that is desired most?

The novel ends at a good standing point as well. It was a fast and brisk read for me. It didn’t drag or make you feel bored, but more less the complete opposite.

I loved this book for so many reasons, and I truly am eager to see what Makayla will go through next. Again she makes her own path, but is there truly any way to escape destiny? Sometime we can evade but some things no matter how hard you try, you cant run from some things that tru1y have a way of finding you.

I cant wait to see how she progresses and more of her path and what is already chosen and set for her. As well as how she is to be “shaped” for the continuation of the series. I always loved reading, understanding, as well as witnessing the growth of a character. And I already know with Makayla there is to be anything but slow motions. She truly is set up already to a force that if reckoned with, well you may have doubts for doing that in the first place.

This was my first novel/series I have read by C.A. King …my only regret is I have not gotten to enjoy more books by them until I discovered this one! This was a fun and brisk read, and I will be eagerly awaiting for the continuation of the series

Well done C.A King, you have truly left me wanting more, and needless to say, very impressed!
Do pick up this wonderful book my fellow readers, and join me in attending the “orientation” for The Grave Digger Academy…surely we do not want to be late do we?

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in this series, and very enjoyable and I love YA genre books. I had to keep in mind that this is high school teens and their stories. This book is about High School crushes, loves, drama and betrayal all wrapped up in one. Hadley finally is happy in a new school and has a boyfriend, Nick. Hadley is not totally secure on her looks or friendships and Nick is very sweet guy….but they have such a great relationship and also friendship building in this story. There is heartbreaking betrayal with Nick and one of Hadley’s friends, Simone. Will Hadley and Nick’s relationship survive on an ultimate betrayal?

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Mirela Ruiz

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager was a great continuation of the Star series. Hadley is navigating new ground as she deals with ongoing teenage drama. Krysten Hager does a great job describing the feelings and development that you feel completely invested in. Nothing feels too over the top and fabricated. The flow and plot feel genuine.

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Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Mirela Ruiz

Next Door to a StarNext Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager was such an intense read. I felt teleported back to high school, the constant struggle to make friends, and not be an outcast came to life while reading. Hadley is so well written I related so much to her. It felt so rewarding to see her character grow and develop. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more!

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pauline Gruber’s The Girl and the Raven is a YA Paranormal Romance. It has demons, witches, gargoyles, and ravens. The story is original, and I did find it a little slow at times but there were plot twists that had me guessing and some I figured out but some I did not. There is a lot of different layers going on but ultimately there is a fight for good and evil. With secrets and lies, magic and a wealth of unusual. YA’s will love this book.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Sara Oxton

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King a fantastic five-star read. This is number one in the Grave Digger Academy series, and I am so excited for more. I love how C.A. King creates this environment that sucks you in and wraps you in the story straight away, the characters feel fully formed straight away, you don’t need pages and pages to get to know them. I adored the light-hearted moments in this story, it added a levity that balanced so well. Do not miss this amazing start to what I am sure will be a sublime series.

Review by @saraoxo

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Brittany Angel

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not a bad introduction into the series. A school for the witches who would protect the world from the creatures that necromancers raise-a new take on magic with heavy Harry Potter influences. The protagonist is very likeable. She asks questions that the staff at her school would rather she didn’t ask and it makes for an interesting dynamic. The pacing is very quick which makes it a book you can finish in about an hour, leaving more time to read The next installment.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very easy to the point good read. I got a harry potter and zombie vibe when I was reading, which are two things I enjoy and having them in the same book was very entertaining. Makayla is a young girl that ends up finding out interesting things about herself that she didn’t know she could do, first off thinking because she ended up in a school that took kids that nobody wanted int here own school, and learn that she could do things that she really couldn’t have been able too. But then finding out that she could become something either very amazing and for the good or something that is forbidden to even talk about. I enjoyed that this book focused on a girl main character, you really don’t see that as much, which was great which made this book more appealing to read. If you like a little magic, grave digging, zombies and a family’s little secret this book is a must read.
Reviewed By @jennifer3343
July 2021

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kerry Carr

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really sweet story about young love, insecurities and heartbreak. It was a really good read because it is relatable and the characters reminded me of situations I have found myself in when I was a teenager.

When your young you can be full of insecurities about who you are and how you compare against other people.

So when Hadley seems to have life working right with good friends and a good caring boyfriend she is just waiting for something to go wrong. And go wrong it did but is the person she’s blaming really the one to blame or is there a snake in her friends?

It is a story of finding love, getting your heartbroken and working your way through fear, emotion and insecurity to get what you want.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful installment in the Antipodes series. Cam, Lae, Freya and the rest of the groups under the domes return for more adventures. The characters are so well written that they could be your next door neighbors. The whole mystery of the antipodes fascinates me so the series has been attention keeping for me. The characters have also drawn you in because you find yourself trying to figure out who’s good and who’s bad? Amazing series! You really should give it a shot.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Heather Lovelace

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

If you enjoy an imagery feast filled with amazing characters and nonstop movement, you will never go wrong with King’s work. I always enjoy finding out what journey I will find in the pages of her works. Truly gifted, the author transported me into this fantasy world that I never could have imagined on my own. Loved every page.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager

Competing with the Star is the second book in the Star Series by Kristen Lindsay Hager. This is a fast paced sweet romance that I truly enjoyed reading. There’s the right amount of drama that kept me turning the pages. The characters are well developed and very relatable. Hadley is a young teen who has moved to a new town and ends up falling for a boy of her dreams. What will happen when she finds out her dream boyfriend likes her friend? Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. Im a huge fan of this author and I cant wait to read more

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Rayne East

The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amazing paranormal YA story.
Really enjoyed this story, it was very easy to read and had great pacing. The characters were well developed and Lucy was presented as a very typical 16 year old with all her attitude and ‘worries’. The unique aspect of the paranormal was refreshing and the underlying story for Lucy made me so much more vested in her character. I feel there is still so much more to explore in book 2 and I look forward to it.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Ashley Dover

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mikayla is the only daughter in a group of seven children. She’s always felt like the misfit of the family. She doesn’t excel the way her brothers do. Including her parents, her family all has blond hair and blue eyes but not Mikayla. Her hair is red and her eyes are emerald green. It is time for Mikayla to start school in the paranormal academies. Her choices are vast, but without excellent grades or skills, she is limited in her choices. She chooses three schools, but to her bewilderment, she doesn’t end up in any of them. On the first day of school, Mikayla wakes up late and has to ride the bus to school. She meets Thomas who winds up being at the same paranormal school as her, Grave Digger Academy.

Travel to the world of witches and follow Mikayle through her first semester at the Grave Digger Academy. With friends such as Thomas, Cali, and Leo, Mikayla starts to achieve in her courses with the help of a special gift from her mom. Keeping the dead in the ground is the main objective of learning so far at the Grave Digger Academy. What will the first years encounter at the paranormal academy that no one wants to attend?

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Erica Fish

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C.A. King is an amazing author. She has written different books across different genres. I have never gone wrong when I buy a C.A. King book. This book was no different. It is a fun, fast-paced, paranormal story. The attention to detail is what makes this book a must-read. The characters are complex and fully developed. Makayla is the main character who wants to go to a paranormal academy but the small problem is that did not get into her first choices. She was accepted into Grave Digger Academy. There is a difference between “gravediggers” and Grave Diggers. One puts the body into the ground and the other keeps the body on the ground. Makayla and her classmates have a lot to learn about the dead and how temperamental they can be. Join along as we follow Makayla in this story to see what she learns at Grave Digger Academy.

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Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary E. Gregory – Review by Cora Ryan

Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A MemoirTravels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary E. Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so touching and emotional. You could really feel the struggle and pain the character felt being different. It really pulls at the heart strings but in such a powerful way! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great emotional story.

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