"When I Was You" by Amber Garza

In When I Was You by Amber Garza Kelly's world is falling apart until she comes across another woman who has the same name.  She must meet this person!  This book was wild in a good way!  It has a good twist about the middle that changed the whole book!  The storyline was good and I liked Kelly.  (Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

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"The Inmate" by Freida McFadden, A Wild Read!

The Inmate by Freida McFadden is a quick read because the chapters are short and the whole book is like a puzzle with each chapter being a new piece.  I did not figure this one out at all!  I was way off track on this.  Brooke is a single mom, never married, but in a love triangle.  What was supposed to be a fun sleepover turned into a multi-murder.  Luckily, she got away before getting killed herself; however, the whole incident haunts her ten years later.  This is a good mystery and a thriller as well.  I think this one would be a good book club read since it even has discussion questions in the back.  I was flabbergasted 

by the surprise ending but loved the epilog.  All I can say is WOW after reading this book!  I highly recommend it if you enjoy modern-day thrillers.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review:

In The Inmate by Freida McFadden teen boys and three teen girls decide to party all night at Shane's farmhouse since his mom will be away.  It will be a night they will always remember!  This author is always on her game, and this is no exception.  It has a great storyline, interesting characters, and I never knew what was going to happen.  She definitely kept me guessing!  Freida McFadden is a master storyteller.  I LOVED THIS character driven murder mystery.  (5++ Stars)

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"The Mirror" by Nora Roberts (Book 2 in The Lost Bride Trilogy)

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy.  I loved Inheritance which was the first.  In this book, Sonya is making the mansion her home and trying to get rid of the ghost!  I enjoyed Sonya and "Dobbs" the ghost.  This has a good storyline but I liked the first book better even though this one was good too.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars) 

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"One by One" by Freida McFadden

In One by One by Freida McFadden, three couples head off to the woods for a week's vacation.  Sounds like fun.  It is for the reader!  This if filled with twists and turns and good action!  Characters are brought out very well.  Do not even try to figure this out as you go, just enjoy the read.  Freida McFadden is my favorite author!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Ward D" by Freida McFadden

In Ward D by Freida McFadden, Amy is a medical student who was to spend one night locked in a psychiatric ward.  It is for only one night so what could possibly go wrong?  Read this to find out.  What a great book!  This has plenty of action, a good storyline and interesting characters.  Freida McFadden is the best!  I think she is my favorite author now.  I've read several of her books and every one of them was fantastic!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Raised by a Serial Killer--Discovering the Truth About My Father" by April Balascio

WOW!  Raised by a Serial Killer--Discovering the Truth About My Father by April Balascio is a great book to lead off the year.  The author held nothing back and I felt so bad for her that she had to go through this.  What a story this is!  She has three dogs.  Life is good for her finally!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"A Blizzard of Polar Bears" by Alice Henderson

In A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson, Alex is doing research on polar bears.  Someone wants that research and Alex dead!  Who and why?  This book is okay.  I learned more about polar bears and the storyline is pretty good.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"Paws from Heaven: True Stories of God's Amazing Animal Angels"

Paws from Heaven:  True Stories of God's Amazing Animal Angels contains short stories about cats the first half of the book, and short stories about dogs the second half of the book.  I used two bookmarks and alternated between the cat and dog stories.  These are very short so a good book for waiting at the doctor's office or for short waiting times at home.  I enjoyed them but it took me a long time to get through it.  It's definitely a relaxing read.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"The Boyfriend" by Freida McFadden

In The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden, Syd wants a boyfriend real bad.  She finally meets a guy who she really falls for!  Is he Mr. Right or is she better off without him and dead wrong?  This might be the best book I have read this year!  It is fantastic!  I never wanted to put it down, but forced myself to make it last a little longer.  Everything is in it that a good book has.  I highly recommend this one!  I LOVED it!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The More the Terrier" by David Rosenfelt

The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt is a good short book that I enjoyed.  Andy takes the case of a man accused of murder.  It went quickly because of the good storyline with a dog.  It's an enjoyable light Christmas read.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"The Grey Wolf" by Louise Penny

In The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache has his hands full as he tries to figure out a threat that will have dire consequences for a large city.  I thought this book was really good!  I loved all the action with a good storyline and an unbelievable ending!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Unlocking the Animal World: Incredible Facts and How Kids Can Be Superheroes for Animals by Ingrid Newkirk

Unlocking The Animal World by Ingrid Newkirk is a short fun read about all kinds of animal facts and how kids can help animals.  The author makes many comparisons between animals and humans.  It's a whole collection of many interesting animal facts.  I think any animal lover would enjoy this short book that shows our God's great creativity throughout the animal world.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"Playground" by Richard Powers

Playground by Richard Powers is a wild one to say the least.  A number of storylines ran throughout the whole book.  The best one was about a young boy who loved to plop and play board games.  Other parts made little to no sense.  I would not recommend this one.  (Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

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"That's Not My Name" by Megan Lally

In That's Not My Name by Megan Lally, a young girl goes missing.  Everyone thinks her boyfriend killed her, but he knows he did not.  Where is she?  Will he find her and clear his name?  This was okay for this author's first novel.  I found it dragged along some so give it 4 stars.  (Gerard's review)

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"Shelterwood" by Lisa Wingate

1.    

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate is based on a true story about little children and women who protected them from lord barons who tried to exploit them for their own sake.  This book has a good storyline and plenty of action.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"High Stakes" by Iris Johansen

In High Stakes by Iris Johansen, Logan needs to get Lara out of Russia and away from two Mafia bosses.  This book was okay but needed more action.  It had a decent storyline and I was involved with the characters.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"Sword Catcher" by Cassandra Clare

In Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare, Kel is the body double of the prince.  When Kel meets the ruler of the underworld, he begins to question his role in life.  This is a good fantasy book with great characters, good storyline and lots of action.  I LOVED it!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"It's One of Us" by J. T. Ellison

In It's One of Us by J. T. Ellison, Olivia wants a baby in the worst way but cannot carry one to a full term.  One day the police come and tell her husband his son killed someone.  Olivia thinks 'How can that be?'  This was a great book.  I highly recommend this one.  Read it and enjoy!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The Walnut Creek Wish" by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Creektown Discoveries Vol. 1)

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter is about a middle-aged married couple (Jeff and Rhonda) who move from Canton, Ohio to Amish country and find friendship with an Amish couple (Orley and Lois) who run an Antique Shop and point Jeff and Rhonda to the Lord. Jeff is a restaurant owner and Rhonda manages a hotel.  Both have turned away from God because of unanswered prayers in the past and have hardened their hearts.  It's a good Christian fiction story and has discussion questions in the back.  I liked all the characters.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"Hope Restored" by Jonathan and Jennifer Barratt

Hope Restored by Jonathan and Jennifer Barratt is a collection of short true stories of different women or children who have been rescued from abuse and sexual slavery by Project Rescue workers.  This booklet was very enlightening for me. It tells about giving people hope and a new direction for their lives through the power of God.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)  

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"The Sequel" by Jean Hanff Korelitz

In The Sequel by Jean Korelitz, Anna is enjoying her new found fame and reaping the rewards of being a great author.  But when she begins to receive book excerpts in the mail, she knows that something is wrong indeed.  I enjoyed this as much as the first book.  It has a great story line that kept me turning pages.  (Gerard's review  5++ stars)

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"The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Series Book 1)

In The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz, Jake wanted to write a big best-seller book for a long time, but he found out it wasn't easy.  Then one day he is praised as a great writer and is famous.  However, fame is fleeting as Jake is about to discover.  I thought this book was very good.  It has a great storyline and interesting characters.  I wish I had The Sequel to read right now!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The Boys of Riverside" by Thomas Fuller

The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller is about a deaf football team from California.  I enjoyed getting to know the players and the coaches who are also deaf.  I learned a lot about what it means to be deaf, but there is plenty of football too.  This is a good read for football season!  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"The Taken Ones" by Jess Lourey

In The Taken Ones by Jess Lourey, a detective and a forensic expert try to solve the case of a couple of children who went missing and were never found.  The storyline was okay, but I would have liked more action.  It had a surprise ending I did not see coming.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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Terrible Book: Head Games by Eileen Dreyer

Head Games by Eileen Dreyer is about a serial killer and a creepy teen who harass the teen's aunt.  This book is awful!  I hated it!  I would have given up on it halfway through except I was curious as to who was sending the body parts to Molly Burke.  This book was really gruesome, creepy and depressing. I'm not even going to give it away.  (Karen's review, 1 star) 

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"The Reappearance of Rachel Price"

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson is about an 18-yr.-old girl whose mom just disappears one day.  Where did she go and why?  People think she is dead and that is the end of it.  However, the mom comes back and she has a story to tell!  I thought this book was really good because it has a great storyline and action.  I LOVED IT!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Bad Liar" by Tami Hoag

Bad Liar by Tami Hoag is about two detectives both looking for missing people.  When they both show up at the same place, what is going on?  This is a great book with good action, a real good story line, and well brought out characters.  I enjoyed very much!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout is a novel about a small town.  It includes four short stories that include the same people.  The people in the stories are developed really well.  This was a different kind of read for me, but I enjoyed it very much!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Here One Moment" by Liane Moriarty

In Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty, a woman gets up from her seat on a plane and causes a disturbance that people will not soon forget!  The first part of this book is very funny.  The rest of the book, the very good story line takes over.  This book is very good!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Talking to Strangers" by Fiona Barton

In Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton, Elise and Kiki are both trying to solve a murder.  The closer they get to an answer, the closer they get to being in real danger.  This book had a good storyline, but I would have liked more action.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"I Will Ruin You" by Linwood Barclay

In I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay, English teacher, Richard Boyle, becomes a hero when he is able to stop a school shooter from causing real damage.  However, he soon finds out that being a hero comes with a price.  This is really good with lots of action and characters that I cared about.  I liked the storyline because I wasn't able to figure out how it would end.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Someday Soon" by Debbie Macomber

Someday Soon by Debbie Macomber is a light romance about two different couples.  One is Tim, a mercenary whose leg got blown up by a mine, who falls in love with his therapist, Francine.  I enjoyed watching the relationship between these two develop best.  The other was Cain, Tim's boss, and a widow named Linette.  I enjoyed this book because after having put my cat down, I needed something light and cheery.  This book was just what I was looking for at the time.  There were lots of emotions in this book.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)  

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"How to Age Disgracefully" by Clare Pooley

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley is about a handful of older people who band together to stop their senior center from being shut down.  I enjoyed it!  I liked the characters and it was funny at times too.  The story line kept the book moving along and there is even a dog in it which always is a good thing!  This is an enjoyable, light read.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Bear" by Julia Phillips

Bear by Julia Phillips is about two sisters who have a dream once they get off this island.  But one night the younger sister sees a bear and is enchanted by it!  Not everyone feels the same way.  Can the bear survive?  What does this mean for the sisters' plan?  I enjoyed this book.  The sisters were very good characters.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"The Teacher" by Freida McFadden

The Teacher by Freida McFadden is about lots of inappropriate behavior.  I did not care for this one because first of all, I didn't like any of the main characters, I thought Addie was very stupid, Eve and Nathaniel were both unfaithful.  A lot of the storyline seemed too far-fetched to believe.  It had a wild ending, but not believable.  The only part that was believable for me was the bullying of Addie.  I had high expectations for this one because my husband loved it so was disappointed in it.  I did like that it was quick read!  (Karen's review, 3 stars) 

Gerard's review 6/15/24:
In The Teacher by Freida McFadden, Addie is 16 and bullied in high school.  Eve is one of her teachers who would like to befriend Addie; however, Eve finds out that sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.  This book is really good!  I LOVED IT!  The storyline is excellent and the chapters are short so it goes quickly.  I was always happy to get back into it.  What an ending!  (5++ stars)

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"Identity" by Nora Roberts

In Identity by Nora Roberts, Morgan has a plan for her life, things are going well and her future is bright.  A guy chats her up at the bar where she works.  Little does she know that all her plans will soon change.  Nora Roberts is always good.  This has characters I cared about with a good story line that kept me turning pages.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Darling Girls" by Sally Hepworth

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth is told by three girls who grew up in the same foster home.  I loved all three of them!  Years later, they get called back to their childhood home.  You will have to read the book to find out why!  I'm not telling.  This book is really good!  The storyline kept me turning pages quickly with a fantastic ending!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros took me a long time to get through.  I liked the first book (Fourth Wing) in this series much better!  I liked the relationship building among the riders in Violet's squad and still liked the dragons.  Mostly it seemed this book centered on Violet and Xaden's relationship growing deeper.  I did not care for all the sex scenes.  The battles provided good action; however, I wasn't always clear about how the magic powers worked.  I really did not like the ending of this book at all.  I doubt if I will continue on with this series.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

Gerard's review:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros is the second in this series.  The first was Fourth Wing and I liked this one even better!  Violet has made it through the first year of war college to everyone's surprise including her mom and sister.  But the second year is going to be tougher yet.  Now the head of the college will test Violet in ways she has never been.  Violet and her gang are back!  But now war is coming and Violet must choose which side she will be on.  

I gave the Fourth Wing highest score I could and this book is even better!  I had so many emotions while reading this book.  The good news is that this is going to be a 5-book series.  You must read these fantastic books.  This is as good as it gets!  (5++ stars)   

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"If Something Happens To Me" by Alex Finlay

In If Something Happens To Me by Alex Finlay, Ryan has been trying to put the past behind him--the night he was beat up and his girlfriend was taken.  It was 5 years ago, but when new details come to light, what Ryan thought he knew, he got all wrong!  

This was good stuff with action galore and twists and turns.  You will not fall asleep on this one!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

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"The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel

WOW!  The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel was SO GOOD!  It is based on a true story--how one woman, Eva, was able to save countless numbers of Jewish children from being rounded up by the Germans during World War 2!  You will have to read the book to see how she did that.  I enjoyed this book because the story line and the characters are both good!  I suggest you make time for this book.  You will be glad you did!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Middle of the Night" by Riley Sager

In Middle of the Night by Riley Sager, two young boys camp in their backyard one summer night.  The next morning, one of the boys is gone!  He was never seen again.  Ethan, the boy who didn't go missing, is haunted by this and returns to his childhood neighborhood seeking answers.  Does he get them?  This has a good storyline that will keep you turning pages.  Riley Sager is always good and this one is more of the same.  I enjoyed it a lot!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Still See You Everywhere" by Lisa Gardner

In Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner, a serial killer has three weeks until she is put to death.  She wants Frankie to find her younger sister, who has not been seen in years, to say a final goodbye.  Who knows if she is even alive?  Lisa Gardner is always good and this book is no exception.  It starts out fast, but then there is a dull part.  However, the action more than makes up for that!  What an ending!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Eruption" by Michael Chrichton and James Patterson

Eruption by Michael Chrichton and James Patterson is about a volcano erupting in Hawaii.  When you live in Hawaii, people always talk about the "Big One."  The volcano eruption and lava flowing over everything.  Now what is coming is bigger than the "Big One" and cannot be stopped!  

If you get the large print, you can fly through this book quickly.  The constant action kept me turning pages.  There is not much character development, but I think the action makes up for that!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Mind Games" by Nora Roberts

Mind Games by Nora Roberts is about a young girl named Thea.  Her parents are killed by a man who breaks into their home.  She is devastated but has a gift that helps the cops catch this man and put him in prison.  Thea builds a good life, but knows that the killer who has the same gift as she does, will never leave her alone till he gets revenge on her for putting him in prison.  

This is good stuff as always with Nora Roberts.  It had a good story line with great characters and I enjoyed Bunk, the dog in the story.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Sipsworth" by Simon Van Booy

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy is about an 81-yr.-old woman named Helen.  Her husband and son have both passed on.  Helen is just counting the days until she can join them.  However, that all changes when she encounters an animal in her house!  This book shows how strong a bond can be between a person and an animal.  To find out what kind of animal it was, you will have to read the book.  I hope you do!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Love Letters to a Serial Killer" by Tasha Coryell

Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell was way better than I thought it would be!  A woman writes to a serial killer who is in prison and facing a trial soon.  She figures he will be found guilty and either get life in prison or be put to death.  What does she have to lose?  Is she right or dead wrong?  

This is the author's first book which is well done!  It kept me turning pages.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The Women" by Kristin Hannah

The Women by Kristin Hannah is about a Frances, a young girl, who has a special bond with her brother.  When he went to fight in Vietnam, she saw how proud her father was of him.  She wanted to make her dad proud too, so she joined the Army as a nurse.  That is when her whole life changed.  

This is a fantastic book!  The author paints a picture of how the war looked and the people who were there.  Frances was a great character.  You owe it to yourself to read this book.  I ordered it through the library and it was worth the wait!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Fourth Wing" (the Empyrian #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros got my attention right from the start and kept it all the way to the end!  What a fantastic read if you like fantasy with dragons mixed with relationships.  Violet is a great character, the youngest in her family who finds herself in war college for dragon riders when she had her heart set on being scribe like her father.  Her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to go in the dragon rider quadrant against her wishes.  This book is all about her first year at the war college.  Violet is small, weak, doesn't want to fight but is also smart and clever.  

I loved this book because of the characters, the action, and the dragons.  Violet is an underdog who tries to overcome her weaknesses and beat the odds stacked against her.  She soon finds a target on her back because of who her mother is.  Violet is so nice and vulnerable that it was easy to root for her.  At some points, I cheered out loud and laughed out loud.  It had a lot of humor too!  I really enjoyed the connection with the dragons and Xaden is awesome!  So glad I can jump right into the second book in this series.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review:
In Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Violet wants to be a scribe, but her mom has other plans for her and is running the show.  Consequently, Violet goes to school to be a dragon rider and help defend her country.  Her sister and friends tell her not to do this.  Violet goes anyway because she does not want to live with wondering what if she had made it.  

This book is very good from early on.  It has a great storyline and plenty of action.  I'll have to wait a few months for book 2, but looking forward to it!  (5++ stars)

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