Young Adult New Adult

characters’ relationships, but it isn’t really necessary to do so to understand what is going on. Yes, the love story is a slow burn, but when Mitch and Zee actually do get together it makes it’s that much more satisfying. Mitch the handsome volleyballer is just the perfect optimistic extroverted hero to balance McKenzie’s quiet, introverted ways. Ms. Gygi fantastically portrays how difIicult it is to have love between a volleyball player and a gymnast. Their story simply rings true!

Roslynn Ernst

Back in Time with Jelly Beans (Jelly Beans and Spring Things)

Michelle Godard-Richer but fall in love with – Bella especially, who is willing to sacriIice everything to stop the Iire and save the man she loves. The reader will enjoy the slow romance that develops between Bella and Henry, which does not feel rushed or fake. The author describes the past, the clothes of the characters, and their personalities very well. “Back in Time with Jelly Beans” is Book 1 in the Jelly Beans and Spring Things series, and it will have the reader looking forward to the next book in the series! Sweet and delicious, just like the named treat.

Victoria Zumbrum

stand. Sheena doesn’t seem put off by his scars, his fears, or worried about his lack of direction. With support from family and Sheena, Rafe might just learn to live again, but he has to make it through this job as Santa Iirst.

TIME TRAVEL: Bella Thomas is home from school visiting her parents in MayIlower. Her dream is to become a big-time journalist, and she’s helped at the local town’s newspaper. While home, she decides to investigate the history of the Iire that burned down the Jelly Bean factory in 1927. The Iire killed the founder, Henry Hinchcliffe, and devasted the economy. She wants to understand how it happened and why it affected the economy. She Iinds herself breaking into the burnt down factory, where a jelly bean transports Bella back in time to a year before the Iire. She comes face to face with the handsome Henry Hinchcliffe, who comes to her rescue. Will she be able to stop the Iire from ever happening and not fall in love with the handsome Henry, who can never be hers?

“Back in Time with Jelly Beans” is a sweet romantic time travel romance that leaves the reader wanting more. Michelle GodardRicher has created a cozy time traveling story with believable characters that one can not help

The Scarred Santa

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

A sweet holiday story that hits the reader in the feels! “The Scarred Santa” Rafe Sullivan is hurt, lost, and drifting. Sheena is calm, loving, and conIident. The story follows Rafe’s progress as he recovers his conIidence, lets go of his fears, and allows himself to love again. There are moments of fun and sweetness, and a couple scenes that will make the reader want to cry. The emotions are vivid and the story is beautifully woven together. Additionally, the Christmas setting is well used without taking the focus from Rafe’s recovery. The only major downside is the short length prevents greater depth on Sheena’s side. Still, readers looking for a bit of sweetness, inspiration, romance, and the triumph of overcoming major trials should order this novella right away!

Sarah E Bradley

INSPIRATIONAL: Rafe Sullivan retired from the Marine Corps, scarred, injured, and with PTSD from his last tour in Afghanistan. Once a handsome and social man, he now lives a solitary life, hiding even from the love and attention of his family. He changes jobs often and Iinds little purpose in life. Then his brother Iinds him a temporary job playing Santa Claus at the mall. At the same time, he learns the lovely Sheena Dunmore works across from the Santa