If you are looking for a beautifully written novel full of atmospheric storytelling, mystery, a murder, lies, and secrets with well-rounded characters, then this read is for you.
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm is written in 2 timeliness. The past, 1988 when main character, Sloan Hadfield’s went missing after a fishing trip with their father and 20 years later in 2008 as she is forced back to her hometown, where it all happened.
This story was masterfully crafted by the author. The well-rounded and beautifully flawed characters help build the plot that is full of mystery, intrigue, and lies. My weakness is a flawed character, and this book is full of them. The way the story unraveled had me gasping and not wanting to stop reading. This slow burn builds to a blazing fire that will leave you satisfied but so sad that it ended. I was already a fan after reading Enemies of Doves, but this book solidified my need to read everything this author will ever publish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Enisha Reaveshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEnisha Reaves2023-05-02 20:13:212023-05-03 14:09:44A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Enisha Reaves
Wow! If you’re looking for a page-turning, drama-filled, action-packed book, this one is for you! The author is a talented storyteller and exceptional writer. I read this in two sittings (only because I didn’t know when I picked it up I wouldn’t be able to put it down and I had other plans)….just plan to read it all the way through once you start. There are twists and turns and jaw-dropping moments perfectly placed and makes you wonder what is coming next. The family secrets and drama take you where you least expect surrounding the death and disappearance of Sloan’s brother Ridge. The setting, characters, and plot are well developed and it is extremely well written. This is by far the best book I have read so far this year!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Condrahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Condra2023-05-02 19:54:402023-05-03 14:09:05A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jess Engel
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind, by Ryan M. Becker: I don’t normally go for poetry, but I love music and often find lyrics are better able to express what I’m feeling when I’m struggling to find the words. I really liked a lot of the poems, most of which read like a poetry-slam to me. Some of the content did get dark and heavy. It did become somewhat harder for me to read through, but I enjoyed it overall.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00katherine mellonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngkatherine mellon2023-05-02 19:27:272023-05-03 14:08:57Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind, by Ryan M. Becker
Cabin Eight is tense, has unexpected twists, deep conspiracies, and explores the dangers of technology. This novel is a gritty search for survival that leaves you wanting more as the pages turn. The main character is well developed and you can feel the fear as she faces her fears. With horror and danger lurking at every turn, it’s a fast-paced Alice-in-Wonderland-feeling crime thriller! Just like the other books in the series, Cabin Eight will keep you on the edge of your seat.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-05-02 18:54:392023-05-03 14:08:09Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Brandy Vaughn
Breach of Trust is Book Eight in The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series. Madeline and her team are at it again with a few new cases to try to solve. Case number one comes when Madeline is asked to come to Monte Verde, a retirement home that her father has recently moved into. She is concerned that her father is not settling well in his new environment but quickly finds out that she was asked there for other reasons. The facility director asks Madeline to try to solve where the poison pen letters are coming from that are being sent to residents of Monte Verde. Someone is threatening to expose dark secrets from their pasts that could destroy lives. Case number two involves a woman being intimidated and bullied by her ex-husband. Then, of course, is trying to find a daughter who left home so that she could join a cult. Their hands are full, as usual, as they are kept busy with the new cases.
As they start to dig into each case, they discover that the residents of Monte Verde are not as innocent as they may seem. They all seem to have some deep dark secrets that are best left buried. A case involving an estranged ex-husband brings painful memories from Madeline’s past to the surface and puts her on edge. The ex-husband is using bullying and intimidation so that his ex-wife gives up her share of the marital assets. His techniques are concerning and almost criminal which act as triggers for Madeline about her past. The distraught father of a missing girl who is desperate to find his daughter pulls on heartstrings. Throughout all of the cases Madeline must try to also help her own father at Monte Verde.
Another great book by this author who is great at weaving all of the different storylines and cases together. It was fun to read the story and try to solve the cases along with Madeline. The characters were well developed and relatable, especially Madeline. She was smart, brave, and determined. I could feel the emotions she was experiencing as she relived the trauma from her own past and tried to work through it to save a woman in similar circumstances. This was a great read full of danger, secrets, lies, shady dealings, intimidation, tension, and some super sleuthing by Madeline and her team.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-02 18:54:122023-05-03 14:07:49Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This was an interesting read! The synopsis sounded really interesting to me so I thought I would give it try. While I enjoyed some aspects of this book, a lot of it fell short for me. I was expecting a more Disney Cinderella retelling and this felt like a mixture of different things to me. I enjoyed the steam punk aspect as well but I struggled a lot with actually getting through this one. Maybe it was just an off reading day but the story didn’t grab me as much as the synopsis did. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I hope to read more in the future!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2023-05-02 18:31:422023-05-03 14:06:44A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Rachel Moss
This book is a collection of poems inspired by the Beatles music. Like with all poetry, it is completely subjective as to whether or not a person will like it. This collection is more for people who are open minded and don’t mind Mary Jane. The poems, for the most part, have meter and rhyme. While reading them, I could hear the beat in my head for them. There were definitely some poems that I did not care for but overall, the poetry was good. (Again, subjectivity based off of my own experiences as a human determine whether or not I will like it.) I could definitely see the Beatles inspiration behind the poems.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Brown2023-05-02 18:16:442023-05-03 14:06:31Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Dawn Brown
Other People’s Money is Book Seven in the Madeline Dawkins Series. Madeline and her team have taken on several new cases. Jane, a friend from Madeline’s past, asks for her help to figure out who is embezzling money from her husband’s company. As Madeline and her team begin to investigate the first case, a second one pops up when a woman goes missing. The third case involves a wealthy man and a gold digger. The man’s son asks for Madeline’s help to uncover the truth about the woman and save his dad from her greedy clutches. As Madeline and her team start to investigate, they end up with more questions than answers and discover that the cases are somehow intertwined. Madeline and her team seem to be hitting roadblocks in their investigations of each case.
This was a fantastic book with a great storyline. One seemingly straightforward case leads Madeline and her team to other cases. Each case seems to be wrapped up somehow with the other cases as Madeline and her team follow the trail of other people’s money. The team works great together as they follow the trail of clues and even though they hit a few roadblocks along the way it does not deter them from being relentless in solving each case. Madeline feels overwhelmed by tackling so many cases at once, but it does not deter her from doing what she needs to do in order to solve the cases. She is tough, smart, and determined. This book has embezzlement, a missing bookkeeper, a clever gold digger, elaborate cons and scams, manipulation, secrets, tension, drama, suspense, mystery, and a few twists and turns.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-02 18:12:342023-05-03 14:06:23Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book was absolutely amazing! I have not read a page turner like this one in a long time. This story had so many unexpected plot twists. The story flows so well and the characters are intricately written. I was taken by surprise at every turn of the page. This author definitely takes you on a wild ride. My heart breaks for so many of the characters for different reasons but especially Sloan. Her and Ridge are the two characters that do not make you mad at some point. So much happens in the book but the author makes it so easy to follow. I will definitely be following this author for future reads!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2023-05-02 18:03:062023-05-03 14:06:16A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Carla Clemmons
Sloan Hatfield wishes she could keep the destruction of her past in the past, but her mother has checked herself out of the mental hospital. Her father who was charged with murder of her brother Ridge is about to get out of jail and Sloan is having to head back home to Crow’s Next Creek to sort it out. As all this is surrounding her, she begins to question what really happened. Lies are told, secrets are revealed and the truth is about to come out that will have everyone reeling.
This was an excellent page turning suspense. The story vacillates between 1988 and 2008, you think the story is going one way only to have a twist you don’t see coming.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-05-02 17:41:212023-05-03 14:06:06A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Emily H
Excellent book, especially for kids. There is a lot to learn from this book, and will definitely be passing it on to my nephews. Silas is such a good boy, the fact that he has moments where he could retaliate against Chad, but doesn’t shows how mature he is. I hated seeing him get picked on for being small, kids are one thing but for a teacher to not help in any way, blew my mind. I hope any kid that reads this book can identify at their school if a teacher isn’t supporting them so they can get the help or support they need. On top of the bullying and running for class president, Silas has to worry over his grandpa who has Alzheimer’s. The books does a great job of showcasing what this disease is all about and how it is affecting Silas. Again, wonderful book and highly recommended to middle school kids.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2023-05-02 17:39:272023-05-02 17:39:27Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Carrie Reed
I hadn’t read anything by Shanessa Gluhm before A River of Crows, but this blew me away with such force that I’ve already picked up her another one of her books! I can’t remember the last time I was literally gripping my eBook so hard because of the suspense. The author takes us on a highly emotional rollercoaster with impossible to predict twists and turns throughout the entire story. Family ties will be challenged and some of their deepest secrets will be revealed. Can they all make it through in one piece, or will it be too devastating to go on? I cannot sing praises for this enough. I highly recommend picking this up if you want to be fully invested in a riveting crime thriller!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-02 17:38:462023-05-03 14:05:57A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Shannen Kern
WOW! My emotions and thoughts were all over the place in this book. At times I was on Kyle’s side and then other times I was on Lyle’s side, I flipped back and forth so much, but finally ended up on this fact: Lyle is an ass. I can understand his hesitance, his cowardice, but he is of the age where it is time to man up and make the decisions in and for his life that HE thinks are best. Although sometimes Kyle and Lyle are toxic together, they are when it comes down to it, also perfect together. The ending had me DYING for book 2. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I really hope for a happy ending for the two, preferably together.
When a magnet on the refrigerator breaks Alex knows that she must find a use for it because she does not like wasting things. Alex uses the magnets in a variety of ways as she tries to figure out the best use for it. As she experiments with what to use the magnet for, she learns what a magnet does. She learns that magnets stick together but can also pull apart. Alex also learns that magnets stick to metal but not there are some types of metals that magnets do not stick to. After trying the magnets in different ways and learning more about them Alex comes up with the idea to use them to make a flying carpet.
This was another great book by this author that teaches kids about magnets and how they work. Through the use of illustrations and easy-to-learn text the author teaches kids that magnets stick together, and that they will stick to certain types of metals but not others. At the end of the book is information about Earth’s magnetic field as well as what makes a metal magnetic. It is explained in a manner that is easy for younger children to learn. This book not only teaches kids about magnets, but also about not being wasteful, learning to be resourceful and recycle, and about learning to use their imagination.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-02 17:26:272023-05-03 14:05:50How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Very fun and enjoyable book. I really enjoy books from this author, and the different learning opportunities for kids and adults alike. This book is about magnets, Alex plays with the magnet left over from a broken fridge magnet and learns about the properties magnets hold. The back of the book has a page about the Earth’s magnetic field, as well as a image depiction and what makes metal magnetic. It really makes me want to investigate magnets on my own and teach my nephews. The artwork is lovely as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2023-05-02 17:20:342023-05-02 17:20:34How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed
This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed how they pulled me into the story from the start. The characters are engaging and add to the entertainment value of the story. A fast paced story that is hard to put down. A story where wounds are deep but so is forgiveness. A second chance romance that brings emotion and healing. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters as well as their chemistry. I found myself hoping that Elle and Blake would find their second chance. You don’t want to miss what happens with them. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2023-05-02 17:18:132023-05-03 14:05:43Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Ariella Talix wrote an amazing historical romance that I was one hundred percent engrossed in from beginning to end. While this is the first book I’ve read by this author, it is very far from the last. Suzette moves from France to San Francisco and meets two men that happen to be best friends, Isaac and Walter. You’ll notice rather quickly that these two men are quite the opposite from each other. Once Suzette enters their lives, you can feel the chemistry building between not only her and each gentleman, but between the best friends themselves. The way the author paints each scene is just magnificent. I felt like a proverbial fly on the wall throughout the entire story! Fiddle and Fire has loads of spice of course, but it does have a strong historical romance backbone. Ariella absolutely does not rely on just steam to keep this story afloat. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a real chance because you won’t be disappointed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-02 17:09:562023-05-03 14:05:27Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Shannen Kern
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading and never hesitate to pick up. I have enjoyed her books for the first one. I enjoy her writing style as well as her attention to details that make her stories come to life. This book is no different. This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. The characters pull you into their world with ease and have me coming back for more. This is a dark M/M romance story that is steamy and a must read. There is great chemistry and growth throughout the story. Kyle and Lyle have an attraction that is more addicting than drugs. You don’t want to miss this book for sure. I highly recommend this must read story. I highly suggest checking out this author’s other books as well.
This is the second novella I’ve read by this author, and I think I may even have enjoyed it more than the other. This novella has all the elements I love in a good story – murder, mystery, twists and the paranormal. Once again the novella’s short length does not take anything away from the story and the author’s style of writing makes it much more enjoyable . The world the characters inhabit has been described very effectively in such a short piece of writing. The vivid imagery still made me feel as if I had stepped into the story and the characters were very intriguing. The dark grittiness to the novel is present throughout and I love it, I was gripped beginning to end; not everything is as it seems so it added another layer to the enjoyment I had reading this. There are twists and surprises which are revealed as the story progresses and as with everything else, the author does a great job of timing it right. I thought the storyline was unique and I only wish it were longer so that there would be more for me to devour. Once again, I look forward to more from this author!
This book comes with a trigger warning and a warning for mature readers. Let me caution that this book packs a heavy punch and deals heavily with abuse and trauma. Please do not take the trigger warning lightly. That being said, I must say that this book is fantastic. It deals with heavy topics yet I felt that this book was so detailed. It sucks you in from the very first word and it does not let you go until the very end. Each of the characters are so complex, so broken. Yet both of the main characters are complicated and well written. This is a story of lust and heartbreak but also about family. There is betrayal and incomprehensible pain. This is a book you just have to experience to feel the depth of it. I definitely recommend it, it will definitely make you feel all the feels but it is so worth it.
A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking second chance at love, western style romance, which kept me hooked throughout. When Elle Sullivan returns to her hometown, Sweet Valley in Wyoming, she’s bruised both physically and emotionally and is hiding a big secret. Elle is tough and a survivor who’s determined to start her life again, and take back her power! She joins her family in trying to save their small horse ranch and in the process runs into Blake O’Connor, her old high school sweetheart. Blake never got over loosing Elle and his life spiralled out of control and he started drinking heavily. Seeing Elle again and helping her fix up her family’s ranch is also a new beginning for him. As the couple work together they discover they still have the same chemistry they used to, and tentatively begin to find love again and start to heal their wounds. The storyline is a difficult read at times as it does tackle some sensitive issues, which could be triggers for some. However, although it’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read, it’s also a wonderfully written inspirational story full of second chances, healing, family, love and romance. It’s an immersive and engaging story with great characters, who along with the setting have been brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-05-02 16:50:222023-05-03 13:58:10Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is a historical romance that takes place in San Francisco in 1855. It features two gentlemen who are fire fighters who travel to the city from Pittsburg. They are there to spend the money that they have mined. A Paris socialite has just arrived in San Francisco to start a new life. When their lives collide they find that both men are attracted to the socialite. What is a girl to do? As she decides there is romance and steam at every corner. In addition there is drama and suspense. I definitely recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-05-02 16:40:532023-05-03 13:58:03Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Christine Baranek
First, I need to mention trigger warnings – this book is not for everyone as it contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence (and the aftermath) and addiction. If you are comfortable with reading about these topics though, reading this book is worth it.
This is the first book in the Sweet Valley series, and it is beautifully written. The topics of domestic violence and addiction are described in graphic detail at times, but it is clear that the author has taken great care to represent these topics as accurately as possible, whilst also being respectful.
There are elements of Elle’s situation which make her relatable to me. It took a great deal of strength for her to leave her situation behind and try to move on with her life and she only grows in strength as the story processes. Blake is another great character fighting his own issues. He too is a strong character trying to better himself. They are both fighting their own demons but manage to come back together for a potential second chance at love. What I love about this pair is that they are both flawed, their isn’t one perfect character swooping in the save the other. They both grow over the course of the story and by the end have shown genuine character development.
I certainly got emotionally invested in this story, and am very glad I read it. I look forward to what book 2 holds, I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for its release!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-02 16:20:442023-05-03 13:58:56Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
A gripping mystery, thriller which kept me hooked throughout. The fast paced storyline and plot twists kept me guessing and turning the pages desperate to find out what would happen next! The story is told through a dual timeline, it starts off set in 1988, when Sloan Hadfield’s brother Ridge goes fishing with their father at Crow’s Nest Creek, and never returns home. Sloan’s Vietnam veteran father, who although mostly good natured, was also prone to violent outbursts was arrested and charged with the murder, although Ridge’s body was never found. Sloan’s ornithologist mother never excepted that her son was dead and insisted he was still alive, and went slowly mad. The story picks up twenty years later and Sloan who is in the middle of a bitter divorce, is once again in her hometown, to collect her mother who’s been discharged from a mental health facility. Being back is overwhelming for Sloan, who has so many unanswered questions, and so returns to Crow’s Nest Creek, the last place her brother was seen. Sloan is shocked by the sound of a crow muttering the same syllable over and over, which sounds like ‘Ridge’. Then the body of another boy is found, making Sloan question what really happened to her brother all those years ago, and was her father guilty. It’s not just Sloan and her family who are shocked by what she discovers, the whole community will be as well. This tale of family secrets, deception, and revenge is a real page turner. The descriptive narrative really brings the aerie and atmospheric Crow’s Nest Creek vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story, along with the wonderfully defined characters. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I definitely recommend, and I’ve discovered a new author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-05-02 16:17:362023-05-03 13:57:56A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jennifer Gordon
4 stars I have always enjoyed Courtney’s stories I like that they are different. The Serpent and the Firefly is an urban fantasy story that has non-stop action. Action packed all the way through. The premise is interesting with a cast of supernatural characters including demons, werewolves, angels, fae, shifters and more. The Serpent and the Firefly is a fun read and has magic, prophecy, the first king of hell, scheming brothers, a quest where good and evil meet and it wouldn’t be complete without a twist. Jade finds herself sucked into a world she had no idea existed. Her life is turned upside down when she finds that there are things that lurk in the shadows and go bump in the night. Her whole life has been a lie. Things change when she meets Baal. Baal is a ruthless demon and a liar and will let nothing stand in his way. Beware his forked tongue. He is on a mission to find a key, free his sister and take back his throne and kill the prophesised one. However things change when he meets Jade. When all is said and done who will be the victor in the fight over earth and it’s those who live there?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-05-02 15:58:182023-05-03 13:57:49The Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis – Review by Jenni Bishop
4.5 stars Beware this story has elements that my cause triggers for some. Raising Elle is a second chance western romance story. It is the first book in the Sweet Valley Series that promises to be a great reads. With a lot of hard themes being addressed it is sometimes tough going to get through all at once. I had to walk away and come back at times. It is an emotional read that is full of pain and suffering and heartbreak and heartache that is palpable. I fell in love with the characters Elle and Blake who have so much depth to them that you just want to pick them up and make it all better for them. They each have their own torment and suffering. Elle returns to her hometown to heal and start her life over. Not realising the affect her leaving had on her childhood sweetheart she offers a chance to heal his soul. It is a chance for new beginnings and finally finding peace. I am not going to share any more you need to read it for yourself. I mean who doesn’t love a good cowboy story. Bring on the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-05-02 15:48:072023-05-03 13:57:42Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Jenni Bishop
With each new review I write for this author I feel like I am writing the same thing because all her books are so good and are such hits in our house. This book was another one to add to the list and we have already read it multiple times. Both my kids really enjoyed this book which made my enjoy it just as much. The story was interactive and perfect for young kids. Combined with the pictures, it made the book really fun to read. We are already looking forward to the next book by this author to add to our favourites list.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-05-02 15:45:132023-05-03 13:57:33How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker
This was a surprisingly emotional book and not quite what I expected it was going to be when I started reading. I loved the connection between the two main characters. They both had such traumatic stories and yet you could feel their chemistry. This author really knows how to write an amazing story and this is definitely one of her best. I always enjoy her work. This book, although short, is well written. I engaged with the story and I really wanted things to work out between Lyle and Kyle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert. This is such a sweet read I guess the series name Sweet Valley is appropriate! Its the story of Elle who grew up in Sweet Valley and left as soon as she could. She left behind her hometown and the guy who was in love with her Blake. Blake thought he wasn’t good enough for her so he let her go. Leaving was not a good thing for Elle. Her husband was not good for her and when her family calls asking her to come home to help with their horse ranch she runs home. The life she was living in LA was hard on her, emotionally and physically so coming home was a blessing. Even though it was hard to see her family and Blake. Blake is a broken man when she sees him. He’s got a lot of problems and he thinks Elle is enough to straighten up for. This second chance romance is full of hardships and sadness but also happiness. Do yourself a favor and read this sweet story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-05-02 14:26:372023-05-03 13:56:57Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Tausha Treadway
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm. I absolutely loved this book. Its been one of the best books I’ve read this year. Its the story of of Sloan whose brother disappeared on a fishing trip with their dad years ago and her dad was charged with his murder. Their father was a good man just prone to PTSD outbursts due to him being a Vietnam Vet. After Ridge died their mom went down a maddening path of destruction eventually being locked up in an asylum. When it was decided their mom was going to be away long term Sloan decided to go on to college. 20 years later she get a call from the facility her mom is at telling her she is being released. Sloan has no desire to return but she is the only family her mom has. When another young boy is found dead questions begin to appear about Ridge’s death. Did their dad really kill Ridge or was it someone else entirely? This book was so good I had a hard time putting it down. Do yourself a favor and read this mystery now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-05-02 14:03:342023-05-03 13:56:47A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Tausha Treadway
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