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The Cruel Prince series by Holly Black is a one-of-a-kind series with magnificent world-building and an enemies-to-lovers romance that is really good. Even though the beginning isn't really interesting, as the book progresses it gets better. The book is a slow burn fantasy with a lot of interesting characters. The Characters in this book are not your typical characters. Some of them give you second hand embarrassment, some you will love, and others you will hate. Overall the book is good and if you decide you want to continue reading more then I recommend reading the rest of the series.

The book is about a town called Madison where people are granted a wish on their 18th birthday. We follow the main character, Eldon Wikes as he struggles to find what to wish for. Eldon has seen other people wish for things that indirectly made his life worse. He sees the consequences and effects of other people's wish. He's pressured by his mother to wish for money to help their finance situation. He also struggles if he should wish for beauty, skill, etc. He also gets influenced by his friends and peers on what he should wish for. He ends up deciding on what he wants to wish for.

Newsday
November 9, 2023

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Art League of Long Island newsletter
November 3, 2023

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Molly is a 25 yr. old conscientious, detail-oriented maid at a grand hotel. The book starts slowly, introducing Molly as somewhat unusual. It picks up a bit when Molly is accused of murder and a mystery unfolds. This is an easy read.  Though it lacks in substance and was repetitive, it has a feel-good ending. - D. Zelamsky

⭐⭐ Stars

Ms. Truman takes an historical and often personal look at the many aspects that make up the President’s House. (Presidents and their families, guests, staff, etc.) Interesting and eye opening.  I never realized the White House was allowed to fall into such shambles that Ms. Truman’s piano fell through the floor, that Thomas Jefferson was a misogynist, that when the British were marching toward the White House, Dolley Madison got a wagon and moved, and saved, documents and artifacts.  Fascinating, informative, and well researched. - E. Pasquali

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

A look back in time to the Mccarthy era, how effected the theater and movie industry. This story tells of a friendship between two woman who end up living in the Chelsa Hotel. It shows the ambition, love and betrayal of these two women. I would recommend this book, interesting history and this hotel that still exists on 23rd street in west side in Manhattan. -  C. Daley

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Robbins follows three teachers through the school year and reports on their successes, frustrations, concerns, etc. Robbins supports their stories with thorough and compelling research on topics such as school violence, bullying, high stakes testing, etc. Whether you’re an educator (I’m a retired elementary school teacher) or not, this book offers important ways to support the many overworked and unappreciated teachers. - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

I found this book fascinating and hard to put down. The author was a Christian Preacher and had no doubt that we do go on after death. He knew many famous people and wrote what they said on their death beds. Thomas Edison said" It's very beautiful over there!" Robert Louis Stevenson was quoted as saying " If this is death, it is easier than life!" His belief that life is everlasting is very comforting. - N. Bellissimo

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

This is a book for children ages 10 and up. Since it’s a NY Times bestseller (and recommended by my great-nephew) I wanted to read it. The story revolves around Ally, a girl with dyslexia. With the help of a great teacher, a supportive family and a couple of friends, Ally starts to thrive and realizes that everyone is different (and struggling in their own way). The book has some important messages for kids like “Be honest, be you.” and “No matter how smart you are, success is reached with hard work too.” - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Martin tells this heartwarming story about Reese, a former heart surgeon with a painful past who comes to know Annie, a hopeful young girl with a failing heart.  As the story unfolds, the reader learns about Reese’s past, why he no longer practices medicine, how he slowly learns to forgive himself., and opens up to helping Annie.  This is a book that will keep your interest. - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

An interesting read about ice skating and deafness.  A young woman has an accident which leaves her deaf. She cannot assimilate into the women’s group because reading lips only works for her with one or two people. She meets a kind billionaire but knows that he will leave her and marry another woman. He encourages her to resume ice skating with no music and she is able to perform her routine. He helps her heal emotional and physically to her before accident performances. - P. Wagner

⭐⭐Stars

Edith Eger is a 90+ year old Holocaust survivor who became a renowned psychologist. She relays stories from her own lives, and those of her patients, to offer 12 lessons to save your life. These powerful lessons will leave a lasting impact. - P. Bacchi

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Long Island News
February 27, 2023

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Newsday
February 7, 2023

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