Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two short stories bundled into one volume; these are prequels to the Logan McKenna Mystery Series. The story of Bella, a beautifully crafted violin that becomes something of a family heirloom, is mainly told through the voices of Norah and Giovanni. We get to hear all about the bright and sad moments that led Norah and her family through a time when living a simple life meant struggling and persevering through whatever life threw your way. Woven through Norah’s story, we also learn about Giovanni, an Italian immigrant who would eventually come into Norah’s life and create Bella. Though the story of Bella was short, I felt like the magic of the Appalachians came through both narratives and breathed life into the tale. It was a beautifully written novella that had me smiling – if a little sadly – by the end. Jagged Dawn introduces Logan McKenna and sets the tone for what promises to be an intriguing mystery.

View all my reviews