“I gots a Verna.”

I like to get the nitpicks out of the way first. The editing could be tightened up. Even just a good Beta reader would help catch a lot of the edits required. All authors are prone to mistakes, or habits, that another point of view will often catch. Tis the nature of the beast.

But that's it, that's the nitpick. Now normally that's enough to have me pulling out my hair, and muttering the more colourful invectives under my breath. Not so with this series of books.

I love the world built up in this series, I adore the characters. The dialogue is witty, or serious as needed. When required there is an emotional hand that reaches up and grabs hold of you. Throughout the series I have found myself laughing, to crying, to feeling just about every emotion in between. Hollie Jackson has done a great job as narrator, and cleverly weaves those ebbs and flows of the story together.

My two favourite parts so far are, one: in an earlier book when Emily has hold of the dictionary, and Laney knows she's not letting go of that any time soon. Two: in this book, “I gots a Verna.” Just ideal settings for the characters both times. There are other moments I have savored almost as much, just far too many to mention.

So yes, I have become emotionally invested in these people and their lives. To the point where I avidly await the next installment. I don't think there is a much better compliment to give an author. Thank you, Mr. Erik Schubach, for bringing us along on the journey.

There are only two other authors who have written a book series that have had me so emotionally invested.

In parting, (in my very meagre Welsh from living in the Welsh Marches) I look at the clock, and bid you, 'nos da'. Good night.

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