New to Newport by Emi Hilton

 

New to Newport by Emi Hilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the sweet story of Hannah and Caleb. Hannah is busy studying for her Physician's Assistant exam and trying to repair an estranged relationship with her dad. She meets Caleb when he rear ends her car. They end up working together and start to develop a relationship.

As with most relationships, there are ebbs and flows with some drama sprinkled in. This was an enjoyable summer read!

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What Bird Heard: A Kids Book About Following Your Dreams for Ages 4-8 by Tricia Gardella

 

What Bird Heard: A Kids Book About Following Your Dreams for Ages 4-8 by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My favorite thing about this book is the illustrations. They are vivid and very well done!!

This was a cute story but felt a little disjointed. There seemed to be a flow, then it would derail a bit, then come back. Kids may not pick up on it as easily as an adult. The story is still good though. There is even a cliffhanger at the end that will bring kids back to this author and her stories.



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Thrice Bound: A Romantic Paranormal Suspense by Nicole E. Kelleher

 

Thrice Bound: A Romantic Paranormal Suspense by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great read by this author. I love the twists and turns throughout this story of Natalia. You just never know what's going to happen next. The pages turned quickly and the story ended well.

A great read for anyone who enjoy paranormal with a side of mystery, suspense, spicy romance, and more!

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The Murmuring Mirror (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Book 5) by Eleanor Dixon

 

The Murmuring Mirror by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series! The author has a wonderful way of weaving together a beautiful story full of mystery, intrigue, a scattering of romance, and a little bit of paranormal activity.

Lauren and her friends are competing for the one and only scholarship available for summer school in New York. There is a mirror that is very intriguing and seems to be trying to send a message. Lauren finds herself dancing as if her life depended on it...and maybe it does.

This is a young adult novel that will capture the attention of any dancer who enjoys a great mystery!

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Queenpin Chronicles Books 1 & 3 by L.L. Kirchner

 

Florida Girls by L.L. Kirchner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I truly love historical fiction, especially in the area of World War II. Thelma is joining a group of traveling and competing swimsuit models in an attempt to get away from her criminal past. What she didn't bargain for is finding herself deep in mob activities.

This book showcases the strong stands that the women of the 40's took when the men started coming home from the war.

The author has done a great deal of research to ensure that the elements of this story are historically accurate. It has enhanced the story more and I look forward to reading more in this series.

View all my reviews Havana Girls by L.L. Kirchner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series. I skipped over book 2 (VegasVegas Girls so I felt a little lost in some areas but I still found this story enjoyable.

This one does have a dual timeline, which I do struggle with in keeping up with the details. Sally is on a quest to find out what her mother was researching back in the 1940's. The mystery has her encountering people that she never expected and learning more about her mother's devotion to her career.

Again, well researched by the author and an enjoyable story.

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The Duke's Dream by Giovanna Sinischalchi

 

The Duke's Dream by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I struggled a bit with this book. I have typically enjoyed Giovanna Siniscalchi's work but I'd have to say that this is probably my least favorite so far. There are elements to the story that I really enjoyed, especially the character of Helene. There were parts of the story that I became very bogged down in and felt that they could probably have been left out. This is also a little spicier that I tend to like when reading a novel.

I do appreciate the research and the backstory that was incorporated into the timeline of Helene and William. This author does take care in making sure that her stories are as historically accurate as possible.

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The Odd Dog by Leia Barrett

 

The Odd Dog by Leia Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Odd Dog is finally adopted into a new family. They don't understand his love of climbing, swimming, and playing. It's not until a trip to the park that Odd Dog doesn't feel quite as odd anymore.

This is a pretty simple, basic book with a repeating focus. It's a great book for a budding reader to focus on common words. I wasn't overly impressed with the story itself but see value in this story as a teaching tool for reading and for encouraging kids not to give up too easily.

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