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A Quiet Elsewhere (1 book series)

306 pages Publication date June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

She boarded the wrong train… and found a teahouse that knows her heart better than she does.

Liora likes plans, schedules, and knowing exactly where she’s going. So when a strange, ivy-choked train drops her in the middle of an enchanted forest instead of her grandmother’s house, Emberlee is the last place she expects to end up. The teahouse hums with wayward spirits, peculiar staff, and teas that soothe, stir, and sometimes slip memories away.

And her name appears in the guest book with no departure date.

Watched day and night, Liora searches for a way home with the help of Silas, the sharp-eyed gardener bound to Emberlee by an enigmatic past. Their reluctant alliance soon softens into something warmer, charged with late-night confessions and an undeniable attraction.

But Emberlee has its own plans, and when her forgotten past finally resurfaces, Liora must choose:

Stay and risk her heart, or leave and lose a love she may never find again?

Cozy stone and wood forest cafe named The Whispering Owl with people sitting outside and an owl perched on a sign
A cozy forest cafe named ‘The Whispering Owl’ with warm glowing lights and patrons enjoying tea

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! Just WOW! This is a romantasy, not my usual type of read at all. I usually prefer a book that is solid, standing on its own two feet and based on reality.
This is about as far from that as could possibly be.
Boarding the wrong train takes a woman to a world unexpected, stepping off the train she stepped into a world that felt like a whole other dimension.
Let me just say I really loved the teahouse, Emberlee. The whole thing feels like you’re inside a mystical magical garden. It’s fantasy at its best.
It’s magical, whimsical. enchanting and absolutely left me spellbound and impatiently waiting for the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Rachel Ann Hubert has always been drawn to the shadowy corners of storytelling—the places where fate twists, magic lingers, and characters fight for every scrap of truth. A lifelong writer, she officially embarked on her publishing journey in 2022 and has since spent her time crafting dark fantasy, fantasy romance, and an eerie Halloween anthology—with plans to expand into even more genres.

When she’s not weaving stories about betrayal, forbidden powers and passions, and morally murky protagonists, Rachel can be found cooking up delicious dishes, battling through board games, or screening scary movies (the spookier, the better). She lives in Michigan with her husband, their endlessly entertaining son, and just the right amount of chaos.

As a multi-genre indie author, Rachel thrives on character-driven narratives that linger long after the last page. For more tales of dark intrigue, twisted magic, and high-stakes adventure, follow her on Instagram @rachelann_indieauthor.

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Daily Prompt

Emperor Palpatine has announced open elections for a new Emperor — and he’s nominated Darth Vader. You get to nominate one challenger.

I feel totally out of my element on today’s qotd. 😧How would you answer this one?

Finch back from adventuring.

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Big Apple Farm: the funniest small town British romance of 2026

320 pages Publisher Avon Pub Date Jun 18 2026 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The perfect book for fans of small town romance

Beatrice Norton is a country girl. Working on a farm by day and pulling pints at the Big Apple pub by night, her simple life suits her just fine.

Arthur Redgrave is city boy. Raised in luxury by acting royalty, he dreams of conquering the Big Apple – New York – and isn’t afraid to trade off his parents’ name to get there.

But fed up with his entitled attitude, his parents ship him off to his dad’s childhood farm for a reality check. Tasked with showing Arthur the ropes, Beatrice finds herself stuck with man who can’t tell a pitchfork from a salad fork.

Despite their efforts to remain at odds, Arthur finds himself respecting the straight-talking farm girl and Beatrice wonders whether there’s more beneath his polished (and handsome) exterior. Can love bridge the gap between rural roots and big-city dreams, or will their hearts remain worlds apart?

Tropes:

  • Small town romance!
  • Enemies-to-lovers
  • Forced proximity
  • Low spice
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MY THOUGHTS

They say don’t judge a book by its cover and that saying got proven right for me as I read this.
I have heard of this author before but have never read one of her books until now.
A sweet feel-good story with a small-town feel that has some lovely characters, some will take you by surprise and make your heart smile. Once I started this, I read it way too late into the evening. Such a charming read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Murder at a Scottish Halloween (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 8)

287 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date

June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

As Halloween descends upon the Scottish seaside town of Nairn, reluctant sleuth and knitting enthusiast Paislee Shaw finds herself investigating how an ancient ghost inspired a modern murder…

While Paislee will be celebrating All Hallow’s Eve by handing out candy to the trick or treaters at her Cashmere Crush sweater shop, her teenage son Brody seems to have given up the ghost. Uninterested in donning a superhero or monster costume, he’s just going to attend a party with his friends at the ice rink.

But Brody got swept up in the spirit of the season after all. Dared by the older kids, he went to the supposedly haunted Rait Ruins to capture video of a vengeful ghost. The local legend of the Rait Wraith has been passed down for generations—and still gives Paislee the creeps. While no specter actually roams the grounds, the lifeless body of university student Ailis Barclay is discovered there.

Ailis was at the ruins dressed as the ghost to prank Brody, only something went wrong. With her son traumatized and deemed a suspect, it’s up to Paislee to string together whether Ailis was a victim of the real Wraith of Rait Ruins—or of someone dangerous among the living . . .

Ruined stone castle beside a lake with fog and mountains
An eerie fog surrounds the ruins of a stone castle by a calm lake

MY THOUGHTS

A Halloween holiday cozy mystery taking place in the Scottish seaside town of Nairn.
Teens will be teens, and while Mom, Paislee is handing out candy at her shop young teen Brody has no interest in that or wearing a costume. When he says he’ll be one place but really is at another are when the accusations start to fly.
He’s supposed to be at a Halloween party with his friends but trying to impress the older teens he accepts a dare to be part of a prank and get a video of the legendary local spirit to impress the older teens.
When no spirit is found but the costumed prankster is found dead, he’s the one being blamed.
Mom instinct takes over as Paislee knows it wouldn’t have been her son, and she has to work hard to clear his name.
Along the way we get introduced to Scottish politics, and a taste of the dialect and customs of the country.
Good story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall crafts small-town mysteries to cozy up with. Check out her Scottish Shire series in quaint Nairn; the paranormal Salem B&B series as Traci Wilton; the Irish Castle mysteries as Ellie Brannigan; and the brand-new Cider Falls Orchard mysteries debuting in 2026. Romance lovers, check out the Appletree Cove sweet duo, or the By the Sea contemporary romances. Want something with medieval flavor? Try the Boadicea trilogy or the Queen’s Guard. Traci would love to chat about books, which have been an escape since childhood and the bookmobile—she read so fast she had no choice but to write stories in between library visits. She finds inspiration living near the ocean and drinking lots of coffee.

Cozy Mystery:

Writing as Traci Hall, Scottish Shire mysteries

Murder in a Scottish Shire July 2020

Murder in a Scottish Garden May 2021

Murder at a Scottish Social 2022

Murder at a Scottish Wedding 2023

Murder at a Scottish Castle 2024

Murder at a Scottish Christmas 2025

Murder at the Scottish Games 2025

Murder at a Scottish Halloween 2026

Murder at the Scottish Book Club 2027

Writing as Traci Wilton, a Salem B & B mystery series

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost August 2019

Mrs. Morris and the Witch 2020

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past September 2020

Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress March 30 2021

Mrs. Morris and the Vampire 2021

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold 2022

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman 2023

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine 2024

Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead 2025

Cider Falls Orchard Mystery

Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival 2026

As Ellie Brannigan

Irish Castle mysteries

Murder at an Irish Castle 2023

Death at an Irish Wedding 2024

Death at an Irish Village 2025

Death in Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2020

Danger at Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2021

Deception at Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2022

Contemporary Romance:

Appletree Cove: (Sweet Small-Town Beach Romances)

In the Dog House Feb 2019

Just One Kiss January 2021

By the Sea: (Small-Town Beach Romances)

Ambrosia by the Sea

Karma by the Sea

Puppy Love by the Sea

Masquerade by the Sea

Holiday by the Sea

Festival by the Sea

Dancing by the Sea

Forever by the Sea

Blue Christmas by the Sea

Returning Home by the Sea

Blossoms by the Sea

Billionaire by the Sea

Santa Baby by the Sea

Sandy Kisses by the Sea

Billionaire’s Brother by the Sea

Love, Actually by the Sea

Secret Santa by the Sea

Christmas Kiss by the Sea 2020

Snowy Seaside Christmas–West Coast 2020

Christmas on Misty Beach–West Coast 2021

Shorts:

Holiday Pickup by the Sea

Always a Bridesmaid

With This Ring

Boxed Sets:

By the Sea — Books 1-3

By the Sea — Books 4-6

By the Sea — Books 7-9

By the Sea — Books 10-12

By the Sea — Books 13-15

Christmas By the Sea

Traci Hall also writes historical romance, western romance, teen paranormal, new adult paranormal, coming of age, and non-fiction books. For her complete list of works, go to: TraciHalldotcom to learn more…

Enhance glowing full moon and mist
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Daily Prompt

Daily writing prompt
What’s a piece of media (book, movie, song) that changed how you see the world?
View all responses
Colorful wildflower meadow with pink, yellow, and purple flowers and butterflies
A vibrant wildflower meadow filled with colorful blossoms and butterflies on a sunny day

I won’t name one specific book, but when I read nonfiction books about plants, birds or animals I become more in tune with them. They are the voiceless and they need us to advocate for them. This is why I have started planting native flowers in my garden this year. It attracts and feeds birds and butterflies and bees and looks so beautiful. I will be planting some native trees soon as well to feed the birds.

Have a wonderful day!

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Murder at the Campfire Cookout (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Book 7)

351 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date

June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Lindsey Bakewell leaves behind her lighthouse bakeshop, her boyfriend, Rory, and her Newfoundland dog, Wellington, for a glamping trip with her mother in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the bears leave them alone—but a killer doesn’t. . .

Converting the old Beacon Point lighthouse into a bakery is as adventurous as Lindsey cares to get. Her mother, Ellie, a former 80s fashion model, likes her creature comforts even more—until she sees a business opportunity for her Beacon Harbor fashion boutique when she’s invited by the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club on a woodsy getaway.

Far from roughing it, the ladies will be warm and cozy in chic vintage campers. Ellie insists Lindsey come along to win the campfire cookout contest. Campfire cooking has come a long way from bacon and beans. Soon Lindsey is making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita camping bars.

But the festive spirit is soon dampened when a body is found in Ellie’s camper. It seems like an accidental death until everyone’s tires are slashed and it’s clear the glampsite has become a crime scene. With no cell service to call for help, it’s up to Lindsey to smoke out the killer around the campfire . . .

Because no one is out of the woods yet.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve read almost all of the books in the A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series and though this has the same main characters and a few new we get to meet and let’s not forget the big dog who loves the baked goods it’s different in a way.
I’ve read plenty of cozy mysteries and a lot of times the crazy action takes place right at the end when the murder suspect is discovered.
Have you ever been glamping, I haven’t either but our characters in this book are doing some glamorous camping, in their words.
There’s a lot of typical camping things like going into the woods and a campfire cookout contest, but things get strange really quick.
This one has nonstop action, unexpected things happening the whole way through and I’m even getting creepy vibes from certain sections of the book.
Now I live in a rural area with lots of woods around, will I be able to look at them the same again, I’m not sure.
I mean we won’t even talk about the Sasquatch, the kidnapping, the bears, things that seem one way and turn out to be totally something else.
Lots of action and I was here for it. Great book!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Cozy mystery author, Darci Hannah, is a native of the Midwest and currently lives in a small town in Michigan. Darci is a lifelong lover of the Great Lakes, a natural wonder that inspires many of her stories. When Darci isn’t baking for family and friends, hiking with her furry pals, Ripley and Finn, or concocting her next cozy mystery, she can be found wandering around picturesque lakeside villages with her hubby, sampling baked goods, and breaking for coffee more often than she should.

Darci’s books include:

MURDER AT THE BEACON BAKESHOP 1st in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series (Kensington 2021), CHERRY SCONES & BROKEN BONES (Midnight Ink 2019), CHERRY PIES & DEADLY LIES (Midnight Ink 2018), THE ANGEL OF BLYTHE HALL (Ballantine Books 2011, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016), THE EXILE OF SARA STEVENSON (Ballantine Books 2010)

You can learn more about Darci and her books at http://www.darcihannah.com

Connect with Darci on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarciHannah

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The Twenty Dates Cover Reveal

Today I am delighted to share a cover reveal with you for a new to me author with a great sounding book.

The Twenty Dates
The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours?
Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless – smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she’d be better off alone. At least there’d be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last chance: twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they’re better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming – some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she’s quietly become while she wasn’t paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must decide: is the spark still there – or has their marriage simply run its course?
Pre-order Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twenty-Dates-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0H5G54FXK/
https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Dates-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0H5G54FXK/

Publication Date: 8th October 2026
Author Bio –
Ko Porteous lived in a tiny fishing village in the north of Scotland before moving to Edinburgh aged 10.  
Ko loves meeting people with interesting stories to tell and is constantly on the lookout for knotty story themes, particularly involving women navigating the messiness of mid-life. She has worked as a Research Chemist, Assistant Chef, Teacher and School Leader.  
As well as writing, Ko works as a Business Manager and a Funeral Celebrant.  
In her free time Ko loves to run, meditate and travel; preferably all on the same day.   
Ko has been married for 25 years, has 2 children of her own and is now navigating her own empty nest.  
The Twenty Dates is Ko’s second novel and the second book in ‘The Empty Nesters’ series.  
Social Media Links –
Instagram: @koporteousauthor
Facebook: Ko Porteous Author

Thank you for stopping in. Have a wonderful day.

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Our Thing

by Daniel Kowalski 

214 pages Publication date March 4, 2026 Publisher Next Chapter

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dishonorably discharged Marine Mike DeFino arrives in New York with nothing but a duffle bag and a loan shark’s address. What starts as muscle work alongside a Russian enforcer turns into something completely different, as Mike is pulled into the inner circle of a rising crime boss.

As Mike proves himself—disposing of enemies, burying bodies, and enforcing debts—he draws the attention of NYPD lieutenant Frank Sasso. Sasso believes Mike is the key to toppling the crime boss, Pete Amuso, and he’s willing to bend the law to make it happen.

After the woman Mike is falling for becomes leverage, the war turns personal. Caught between a paranoid mob boss and a crooked cop obsessed with control, Mike faces an impossible choice: should he betray the man who gave him purpose, or sacrifice the only chance he has at a life beyond violence?

A story of power and survival, Daniel Kowalski’s OUR THING is a gritty, razor-sharp thriller set deep in the criminal underworld.

MY THOUGHTS

Our Thing by Daniel Kowalski is the first in a new series by the author of which a series continuation will be available later in the year.
This is a high crime novel that will keep you on your toes not knowing what to expect around every corner. Don’t let them catch you in any dark alleys. With great character development I was kept spellbound as the book really takes you through the paces right along with our main character.
Gritty and dark this one is all about survival of the fittest and not many can pass the test on the streets.
Looking forward to the continuation of the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

I’m a new author and I would really appreciate that, if you read my book, then please leave a review. Good reviews are the best way to get others to take a chance with their time to check out my book.

In the meantime I am working on a follow up novel that I will release later this year.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife: A gorgeous romance to escape with

ABOUT THE BOOK

As the sun crests the indigo Lake District hills and blossom froths in the trees, midwife Zoe Padbury reaches for her boyfriend’s hand. Her life, at this moment, feels perfect. She has no idea of the storm clouds that lie ahead…

The villagers of Thimblebury know that midwife Zoe Padbury loves babies and now that she’s settled at Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex, they can’t resist wondering when she’s going to start a family of her own. Yet it doesn’t feel like quite the right time. Alex is so busy and Zoe has her hands full with all her new mums to look after. Still, she has hopes for the future…

But what she doesn’t expect is to walk into her cosy kitchen and find Alex’s glamorous ex-girlfriend sitting at the scrubbed pine kitchen table. Virginia claims to be helping Alex with work but as she looks Zoe up and down and offers her a perfectly manicured hand to shake, Zoe can’t ignore a shiver of foreboding. What will this mean for her and Alex?

Zoe tries to quash the pangs of jealousy that wash over her, but with Virginia around what feels like all hours of the day, she and Alex end up in a devastating argument. And when she receives some news that changes everything, she doesn’t know if she can share her troubles… Can they find their way back to each other? Or will these storm clouds break their bond forever?

MY THOUGHTS

This is book four in The Village Midwife series. I’m really hoping it’ll continue after this one.
Zoe Padbury is getting settled into Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex. She’s around babies all of the time but the couple can’t help wondering how it’d be with their own little one when the time is right. That time never seems to come, she’s busy all the time midwifing and he’s starting up a new business plus his daughter lives with them as well. They have plenty of time though, right?
When some concerning health problems keep popping up for Zoe, she’s scared and though she’s in the medical field she doesn’t want to seek a diagnosis but finally does with crushing results.
Everything seems well until the stress of the diagnosis, busy life and let’s not forget Alex’s ex is back in town again and they seem to be getting on a little too well for Zoe’s comfort.
Will the storm clouds roll away and sunny skies appear again? Or are things just too much for this couple to handle? Enjoying the series a lot.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop assistant, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing. She wrote a novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and hasn’t stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor.

Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was her debut novel; published in 2014 it was an Amazon bestseller in both the UK and Australia. In 2016 she signed to the hugely successful Bookouture and is currently working on her thirtieth Tilly Tennant novel. Christmas bestseller A Very Vintage Christmas was recently made into a movie for Lifetime Channel and she has had many of her books translated for readers all over Europe.

Tilly also writes young adult fiction as Sharon Sant. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with the latest news, or find the link to join her mailing list in the back of all her books.

Smile and become someone’s sunshine.

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The Scottish Island Inn: A totally gripping and emotional Scottish romance full of family secrets

301 pages Publisher Bookouture Publication date June 16, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Balhennie Inn is surrounded by heather-strewn mountains, with breathtaking views across the wild blue loch. But the cosy B&B is in trouble, and the only woman who can save it left without looking back years ago. Sorrel Balhennie will need to confront her past if the inn has any hope of a future…

The Balhennie family raised their six daughters on the Isle of Skye amongst early breakfast services and fully booked summers. Their inn is never short of gossip – and when eldest daughter Sorrel turns up for the first time in ten years, the island rumour mill begins.

Always the one left to corral her younger siblings, resourceful Sorrel now runs her own successful property business on the mainland. She throws herself into the repairs, praying her curious sisters will stop asking about the real reason she left home…

But Sorrell didn’t count on brooding, blue-eyed Tam Blackwood – the man she thought was her forever – supervising the works. Now they’re thrown together again, Sorrel realises just how much she’s missed him.

And with her secret in danger of tearing her family apart for good, only Tam has a plan to fix the inn and heal the rift between the Balhennie sisters. With his help, can Sorrel finally open up? Or will the inn close its doors forever?

The first in a brand-new Scottish-set series about sisterhood, secrets and second chances. Fans of Pamela Kelley, Hope Holloway and Debbie Macomber will utterly adore this romantic read!

Scottish Highlands landscape with loch, purple heather, hills, and sunset sky
A stunning sunset bathes the Scottish Highlands’ loch and blooming heather in warm light.

MY THOUGHTS

One thing I like about the author’s books is how descriptive her books are from the luscious scenery to the events happening you feel as though you are there.
This was a pretty emotional book. There are six sisters, all grown and one left without a word or an explanation ten years ago. Though one tried to keep in touch there was never any reciprocation.
Not only that she left a strong friendship with a childhood friend that was just turning into more.
Now she’s back without giving her family a heads-up and they’re puzzled, shocked and hurt.
The family inn is failing, and this sister is the one with the best business sense to turn things around if she’s willing to help things along.
We find out she left because of family secrets that she was never meant to know about that she accidently overheard. She was deeply hurt and didn’t take the time to talk to her family just left.
When she returns there are family talks but a lot of hurt as misunderstandings come to the forefront. There is the normal sisterly bickering, but all of the sisters have been hurt by her behavior.
Every family has secrets and when they come to the forefront there will be disagreements and outsiders see it in a very different way than those in the family do.
There’s also her special childhood friend she left behind who was so happy to see her. Can a special relationship take root now that she is back home again?
I enjoyed the story a lot. It had lots of family drama but lots of talking got done and things don’t just change overnight when you’ve been gone ten years.
Looking forward to more books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. She has a very cuddly cat called Twinkle who spends her days sleeping: Kennedy aspires to having Twinkle’s nap schedule one day.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it. Her favourite foods include (but are not limited to) Indian food, Victoria sponge, breakfast pastries with coffee and sushi. The only thing she’s not particularly keen on is artichoke, and she’d eat it, anyway.

Find out more about Kennedy on her Facebook Author page: facebook.com/kennedykerrauthor; she is also on Twitter as @KennedyKerr5

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