Uncharmed

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What's it About:  Andromeda "Annie" Wildwood is the perfect witch: she’s sugar, spice, and everything nice. Each element of her life is curated and polished—with some assistance from a carefully created magic potion, of course. She spends her days serving up delicious pastries in her charming bakery, and her best friends are the most popular witches in London.

 

Naturally, Annie’s coven believes she’s the perfect choice to mentor a young teenage witch named Maeve, who has been orphaned and cannot get a handle on her blossoming powers.

 

Maeve is headstrong and stubborn, and she’s different from Annie in every way. When the pair are confined to a crumbling, secluded cabin in the woods—a place where Annie can safely teach Maeve to harness her magic—they form a fast friendship. And when the owner of the cabin shows up unexpectedly—a brooding, handsome warlock—the trio becomes inseparable.

 

Annie may have just found her perfectly imperfect family in her new home-away-from-home. But what happens when the coven declares Maeve ready to be an adult witch, and Annie must return to her real life?

UNCHARMED is a sweet and charming escapist novel that will delight readers of T.J. Klune’s The House on the Cerulean Sea and Sangu Mandanna’s The Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Filled with some fan-favorite romance tropes (grumpy-meets-sunshine, forced proximity, there’s-only-one-bed), and themes of self-acceptance and found family, Wood’s latest

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Cute story (especially in the fall) that transported to a world where witches and magic spells.  However, their world is very much like every other world.  Self-doubt, unnecessary family shame, both true and fake friendships, and selfish and unselfish individuals.  Uncharmed takes us on Annie's journey of self discovery.  Along the way she realizes how good of person she is and there is nothing wrong with her individually. She has so much love to give and truly cares about people in her life.  Proving to others who she is and what she is capable of is part of the journey.  Of course falling in love along the way helps too!  

I enjoyed seeing Maeve, the orphan Annie has been put in charge of evolve into a lovely person and develops her true magic along the way.  Let's not forget to mention Hal, the cowboy who prefers to be alone, that is until he meets Annie.  Loved all his magical animals too! 

I have not read Lucy's first book Rewitched, but have added to my read list.  Perfect book for fall or any time of year.

Lucy Jane Wood is a widely loved online content creator who has over 200K YouTube subscribers and 85K Instagram followers. Her delightful videos cover topics from fashion and lifestyle to home renovation, cooking, and of course, books.

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If It Makes You Happy

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What It's About:  IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY can be described as Gilmore Girls meets thePumpkin Spice Café – but a lot steamier! Set in small-town Copper Run, Vermont, in autumn 1997, Olivia’s first traditionally published novel offers readers a love story that feels like the first sip of a warm, delicious latte on a cold day. It’s a grumpy-meets-sunshine, fish-out-of-water tale of two small-town business owners and next-door neighbors who fall head-over-heels for each other, set in a simpler time before smart phones and internet dating.

Copper Run, Vermont, 1997: The leaves are changing colors. School is back in session. The locals are decorating for Halloween. The most inviting scents are wafting from the bakery. And a taxicab delivers an out-of-towner and her dog to the local inn.

 

When big-city advertising executive and recent divorcee’ Michelle arrives at the bed-and-breakfast that was her mother’s retirement project, she can hardly appreciate the glories of a New England fall. Michelle is grieving her failed marriage and the unexpected loss of her mom. With her life crumbling around her, Michelle suffers one more blow when she agrees to take a leave of absence from her job at the ad agency in Seattle to handle things at her mother’s small-town inn in Vermont. 

 

Michelle doesn’t know the first thing about running an inn. So, when her very helpful, very attractive, single dad of a next-door neighbor offers to give her some hospitality lessons, Michelle agrees. It’s not long before this stubborn city-dweller finds herself falling for small-town living… and for her hot neighbor.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I would love life in Copper Run. I don't think I could run an inn, but everything else about the town and the people in If It Makes You Happy, made it a town I would love to be part of. I really liked Michelle and her journey. How hard is it to go from married life in Seattle as well as a successful executive in advertising to losing your mother and moving across country to temporarily run her inn while your sister finishes school. 

There is also Cliff, the single dad neighbor who is also owns the local bakery. His two daughters, Emily and Brittney, draw you in as well.  They are at such different stages in their lives and Cliff does an amazing job with both of them.  Of course Michelle fits right in too.  

I also loved that it was set back in 1997. I don't tend to read a lot books set in the 90's (not sure if it is not a popular timeframe or I just don't stumble upon them) and really enjoyed it.  I was a young adult and coming into my career during that time frame and could relate to Michelle. 

Very enjoyable book and I will be on the look for more books written by Julie Olivia!

Julie Olivia writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and close friend groups that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast.

Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.

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Busyboy Book Club

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Synopsis (from Amazon):  They can’t even agree on what to read, so how are they going to solve a murder?

Having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, Nova Davies started a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.

Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play. 

While trying to locate Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money, each of them has their own secrets to protect. But despite the danger closing in, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and gotten everyone safe at home with a book, where they belong.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: A small-town close book club group solves a murder and recovers the stolen money from the town center makes for a good read! My favorite characters were Arthur and Ash. They were to two most unlikely to become such close friends through the whole process, but it was beautiful to see it unfold. 

In the end, the book club misfits crack the case open and help Michael put together some puzzle pieces that fit beautifully into Phyllis' life.  Nova evolves into a strong individual and is even able to stand up to her finance and his family and do what is right herself.  Each individual grows during the story and ends up in a better place due to the group working together and supporting each other.

Freya Sampson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Chance Library and The Lost Ticket/The Girl on the 88 Bus. She studied history at Cambridge University and worked in television as an executive producer, making documentaries about everything from the British royal family to neighbours from hell. She lives in London with her husband, children and cats. Nosy Neighbours is her third novel.

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Side Hustle & Flow: Shape-Up

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Synopsis:  

Welcome to "Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!"—the second book in Cliff Beach’s acclaimed series. Following the success of "Side Hustle & Flow," nominated for a World Entertainment Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2024, Cliff Beach returns with a powerful guide to transforming your health and fitness journey.

Discover the seven essential steps to achieving a fitter, happier you:

 

●      The Deciding Factor: Uncover your personal motivations and use them to fuel your transformation.

●      Checking Your Numbers: Learn the importance of tracking key health metrics, with insights from dieticians and doctors.

●      Intermittent Fasting Tips and Tricks: Master intermittent fasting with practical advice on timing, hydration, and managing hunger.

●      Picking a Diet That Works for You: Find a diet plan that suits your lifestyle and health needs for sustainable eating habits.

●      Exercise: Make it Fun and Be Consistent: Incorporate fun and engaging activities into your routine to ensure consistency and enjoyment.

●      Healthy Lifestyle Changes You Can Stick With: Implement small, manageable changes for long-term success.

●      Get Into a Support Group Now!: Leverage the power of community and support groups to maintain motivation and accountability.

●       

"Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!" is more than just a fitness guide; it’s a call to action for a healthier, happier you. Cliff Beach’s practical advice and motivational style will inspire you to take control of your health and transform your life. Join Cliff on this transformative journey and take the first step towards a fitter, happier you today!

Publisher: Please and Funk You Publishing

ASIN: B0DKFZLY8T

Audiobook Length: 3 hours and 24 minutes

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Side Hustle & Flow: Shape-Up is a great book with all sorts of great information in one place. You can also use the workbook to help track all your success.  I really like all the tips and tricks. My favorite topic was Intermittent Fasting Tips and Tricks. This is an area that I have always struggled with and never excited to try it.  Cliff laid out how to fast and made me more comfortable with it and I was able to complete my first fasting.

Another message that really stuck with me is that my fitness journey is mine and everyone is on a different journey.....and that is okay. 

I enjoyed the audiobook. If you prefer to listen to the books, it's a great option.

Musician and Author Cliff Beach has been performing live for more than 20 years. His single “Confident” was featured on Spotify All Funked Up and Funk Drive playlists with over 975k+ streams. He is the host of the Deeper Grooves Podcast and Deeper Grooves on 885FM. Beach is the author of highly successful book Side Hustle & Flow on Black Spring Press Group/Eyewear Publishing, which chronicles his musical journey while still working a day job. He has written previously for Beautytap, Pepperdine and Rock Star Life. He is the winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize, 2 World Songwriting Awards, 4 Global Music Awards, a California Music Video & Film Award and nominated for 4 LA Music Awards, 1 Hollywood Music & Media Award, and 1 Independent Music Award and more. His music has recently been featured on CNN, SYFY, CW, HBO MAX and in a BMW spot. He was nominated for a World Entertainment Award for his audiobook Side Hustle & Flow and has just released his follow up Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up on Please and Funk You Publishing via Author's Republic. He is an awarding Distinguished Toastmaster and VP of PR from Culver City Toastmasters and TedX presenter. 

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The Next Step

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Synopsis:  Christmas has been all but forgotten as a negative pregnancy test makes Rachel reconsider her future with Todd. The realization sends her to the small town of Abbeyglen where the opening of Caulfield’s Café is all anyone’s talking about. But it also has her beginning to see her returning colleague at Blackwater Financial Services, the loud, hilarious Owen Larrson in a new light.

Natalie has decided she needs a change. In the midst of Christmas craziness, with the grand opening of the café and the excitement of her two children’s Christmas concert, Natalie can only hope the people of Blackwater Financial Services can help her find the job that will change her life. But as ex-boyfriend Darren returns, she realizes luck might not be on her side for a bright Christmas after all …

Join two women who are trying to figure out what the rest of their lives hold, in the midst of the mayhem of the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful place to be!

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  This is my first book by BR Maycock and I would l ike to go back and read the other books in the series.  It isn't needed and The Next Step stands on its own.  

I realy like Natalie.  She was a strong person, but when Darren came on the scene I felt she became a little timid....however, she found her inner strength and steped up to him.  

Rachel was a little harder for me to relate to as she didn't seem to know what she wanted, except what she had before.  She did figure it out in the end and I think "grew up" through the novel.  I really did appreciate her journey. 

I really liked Rachel and Natalie's friends Holly and Bex.  They all supported each other through all their ups and down as true friends do.  Abbeyglen sounds like a beautiful community! 

I plan on reading books 1 and 2 featuring Holly and Bee, respectively.  Again, no need to read them in order.  

B R Maycock is the author of laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She lives in the midlands in Ireland with her four little men, kooky husband, dog Eddie, and cat Shadow!

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Mistletoe Moments ~ The Close #5

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Synopsis:  You are invited to spend CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE where each of the neighbors are celebrating in their own special way.

Veronica and Owen are looking forward to a happy Christmas on The Close with their friends and neighbors. Their son Travis, is due to take some important exams, but will he be able to concentrate when a serious crush derails his schedule?

As their fortieth birthday approaches, some significant celebrations will be required, but how can Veronica agree to Owen's life-changing request?

The fifth standalone episode of "Christmas on The Close" shows how sharing a treasured life with someone does not necessarily result in sharing the same treasured dreams.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Fast read that will get you ready for the holidays (which are right around the corner).  This is a standalone book, however, it is such a quick read, so why not read books 1 - 4 of The Close beforehand?  

Lots of activities and "issues" are covered and solved in this very short novel, which I appreciated.  I don't like it when books have to add "fluff" to get to a page count.  Likable characters, even though I felt bad for Travis.....to be a teen again!

I will be checking out the rest of the series so I can peak into all the other neighbors' lives!

Stephanie Wood writes contemporary fiction in the form of novels, novellas and short stories and her books explore a wide range of life’s challenges, dreams and responsibilities. The stories are all character based, so she has fun expressing each unique personality and the reasons behind their actions in a setting which always has a strong sense of community.

She published the AEGEAN SUN series of books as a fly-on-the-wall vision of life in a Greek resort during the summer season, using her extensive experience as a holiday rep to bring some unusual incidents to life on the page. The series began as an exploration of the various ways in which tourists make the most of their holidays and how they interact with the locals while they are visiting. The later books in the series have taken a closer look at the locals themselves to show how their lives and relationships are sometimes changed by the regular influx of seasonal visitors.

The CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE series is set in a British suburban cul-de-sac over the festive period and visits each house individually to discover how the neighbours who live there celebrate the season in their own special way.

A new series is planned for publication in 2025, so stay tuned for more details.

Stephanie lives in Lancashire where, apart from reading and writing, she loves gardening and cycling and is a huge fan of the soaps Emmerdale and Neighbours.

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Life Begins at 50

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Synopsis:  

The brilliant, brand-new novel from the TOP TEN bestselling author of 59 Memory Lane

New friends, new flame, new fun . . .

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

Can it be true that life begins at fifty? And will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/LifeBegins50Social

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Life Begins at 50 is a perfect book for anyone who is about to turn 50 or has turned 50.  It is also a great read for any one who knows someone special celebrating those milestones. 

I don't think I could have ever put the connection between Kate and Milo together, but wow! All the characters in the book really made it a good read. Even though the main story revolves around Kate, every character has a part in the development of the story. My favorite has to be the village ladies and Kate's dear friend Sophie.

I did find Kate to be a huge push over in the beginning of the story.  I felt she let everyone, her parents, her brother, and especially her husband push her around and her husband belittled her throughout their marriage (the pieces we were able to see). I did not like Howard/Brad.  However, when Howard leaves Kate, she finds her footing and blossoms into an amazing women.  Always caring for others.....she finally takes care of herself and goes after what she wants in life. Lovely ending and I wish I had the as many sweet and caring friends in my life....Kate was very special to many people.  It was hard to see with Howard/Brad in her way.

Pick up a copy of Life Begins at 50 and enjoy a good read!  We all deserve a good book and time to read it!

Previously a teacher and assistant head, Celia Anderson now writes full time and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, having proudly graduated from their New Writers’ Scheme in 2013. So far, she has concentrated on writing romantic fiction and/or stories with a flavour of magical realism.

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