An enjoyable and entertaining collection of romance stories each one written by a different author. This anthology contains a selection of stories by thirteen different authors, and each one is the first book of a series. Meaning it’s a great way of checking out different authors writing styles and getting started with some engaging new series. Each story is about how the everyday hero can sweep you off your feet and provide a happy ever after, just as much as any knight in shining armour can! Most of the stories were written by authors I was not familiar with, so I’m pleased to have discovered some new favourites. However, I was excited to find that Naomi Valkyrie had written one of the romances as I always enjoy her books. ‘Unexpected Heroes’ is a M/M Romance which introduces us to Elijah and Jude, who meet when Elijah and his baby son move in next door to Jude. Jude helps out with the crying baby one night and a friendship develops between the men, and despite both of them having troubled pasts they can’t deny their chemistry or their instant connection. The chemistry sizzled off the page between the likeable Jude and Elijah and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every story in this romance collection, and I liked that there are a variety of storylines, so definitely something for every reader.
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 Gordon2023-08-03 17:30:092023-08-04 12:30:57Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Tequila Midnight follows the journey of Jessica Watts, a real estate agent that deals in cross-border relations. The picturesque writing really sets the tone for the vastly dry desert that is El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Riddles with a dark past, Jessica takes on a job to locate Doraliz Velasco, the missing daughter of one of Mexico’s richest tycoons. The case takes Watts all over the world, from Harvard campus to Belize, and back to Mexico. The journey comes at quite a price, as she is captured, beaten and drugged. While Jessica is pursuing the lost girl, she is also facing her own past demons. The only comfort she can find is at the bottom of tequila bottles and in the beds of strangers. The main character is a train wreck from the start, even before being commissioned on an impossible journey. Will she find the missing girl, and herself along the way? Will she find the answers she is looking for? Will she ever soften her heart and find love? I absolutely was drawn into this book and the constant swirl of drama and excitement over and over again. I am looking forward to reading the next one!
The Secrets they Hide is book two in the five book Commissario Scala Mystery set. I have only read book four in this set so far, so these books can be read as standalone or out of order. Reading them in order will most likely help with understanding character development, and I do recommend reading them all. A young man is found dead in a cemetery with a note that talks about secrets and hints that their may be other victims. Now Detective Scala must find out who this mystery killer is before any other bodies show up. As a no-nonsense detective, Scala is invested in making sure this murderer is found and brought to justice. What is the murderer after and why did he kill this man? Are the other murders linked to this one, and if so what is the connection? The Secrets they Hide is full of mystery, drama, suspense and plot twists. The author has a knack for setting the scene with very descriptive and vivid wording, and the character building is spot on. I am becoming more and more intrigued with the Scala mysteries and intend to read the rest of the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Swindlehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Swindle2023-08-03 15:46:552023-08-04 12:30:43The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Amanda Swindle
Book Five ~ Soul Redeemed Julia finally knows, she finally understands, what has been haunting her mind for decades, she finally knows what caused her to betray her friends in the Resistance, and go against all she believed in. Julia has the ability to see and hear the dead, a vampiric ability that has not been seen for centuries. Julia finds herself relying on her friends as she learns to control and use her powers to fight for what she truly believes in and make a stance on what she knows is right.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michaelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichaela2023-08-03 15:33:272023-08-04 12:30:36SOUL REDEEMED (WAR OF DESTINY BOOK 5) BY THERESA VAN SPANKEREN – REVIEW BY MICHAELA MASSIE
Book Four ~ Fallen Soul Let me start by saying that this book is a little different than the rest of the War of Destiny Series, and is written from another character’s point of view. This is a POV of the Third Installment, Between Darkness and Light. It has been decades since Lane Marlow was condemned and found himself on the run. The Vampire King Valentino has ordered for poor Lane to be killed on sight, which has made his life on the run even more difficult. He finds himself missing the home he was forced to flee, and begins to make his way back to Ireland, only to be found by his pursuers in Rome.. As Lane continues fighting for his life, he finds himself in the midst of a new group of vampires, ones that don’t treat him like a deadly stigma, and ones that live side by side with humans. Will these new vampires be another obstacle for Lane to overcome, or will he find allies where he never expected?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michaelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichaela2023-08-03 15:29:082023-08-04 12:30:25FALLEN SOUL (WAR OF DESTINY BOOK 4) BY THERESA VAN SPANKEREN – REVIEW BY MICHAELA MASSIE
Book Three ~ Between Darkness and Light Julia has once again turned her life upside down with the decisions she has made, and is now trying to repair the bonds the has broken. She hopes for a better future, and will do all she can to atain it. She finds herself turning back to old friends in hopes of getting their help to sve herself and all she cares about before it is too late to save anyone. This is book Three in the War Of Destiny series, and I highly recommend reading them in order! I promise you will not regret taking the time to read these!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michaelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichaela2023-08-03 15:26:172023-08-04 12:29:55BETWEEN DARKNESS & LIGHT (WAR OF DESTINY BOOK 3) BY THERESA VAN SPANKEREN – REVIEW BY MICHAELA MASSIE
This is an intriguing story that captured my attention right from the start. I loved how this story built on itself the more it went on, developing the storyline and the characters. The author built the suspense, throwing in twists and turns to keep you as the reader on your toes. I enjoyed learning about the characters. They were engaging and I connected with them easily. This is a new author to me and if this is the quality of work to expect then I will certainly be checking out more of her work.
Saved by the Everyday Hero is a collection of short stories by thirteen different authors. The theme of each story is about everyday people making a difference in small ways that help others learn to love again. One of my favorite stories in this collection was by one of my favorite authors, Naomi Valkyrie. Her story entitled Unexpected Heroes is a M/M Romance that centers around the characters of Elijah and Jude. Elijah moves in next door to Jude with his infant son. When Jude sees Elijah struggling late one night to soothe his baby and get him to sleep, he offers to help. From there a friendship grows as Jude helps Elijah unpack, runs errands for him, and helps with the baby. Both men have troubled pasts that each has been struggling to overcome in their own ways. Through their friendship they learn to trust, to love again, and they work together to overcome challenges that come their way. The friendship between them grows and blossoms into more over time and the two find their soulmate in one another. I have not yet read all the stories in this collection but the ones I did read were heartfelt, uplifting, hopeful, and inspiring. This is a collection that I will be going back to read over and over again. I highly recommend this book!
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 Barnes2023-08-03 15:09:482023-08-04 12:29:39Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Book Two ~ Pursuit into Darkness Set 70 years after the first book, Lost Souls, Julia’s life has changed infinately. She now lives with the Resistance, and figghts alongside them. But once again, Julia is faced with a decision that will completely change her life as she knows it. With her powers growing, the voices she hears also grow stronger. Will she continue on her current path or will she once again make a drastic dicision that will throw her life into turmoil? This is an amazing book that I highly recommend taking the time to read. I highly suggest reading the first installment first as everything will be much more easily understood.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michaelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichaela2023-08-03 15:07:002023-08-04 12:29:32PURSUIT INTO DARKNESS (WAR OF DESTINY BOOK 2) BY THERESA VAN SPANKEREN – REVIEW BY MICHAELA MASSIE
This is a fantastic collection of romance stories and I enjoyed each and every one of them for entirely different reasons. I chose to read this book for Naomi Valkyrie. She is author that I have become a huge fan of over the last couple of years so when I saw her name on this collection, I had to get it. But each book in the collection is fantastic in its own right. I read a new story every couple of days and I loved the fact that they were all so different and stood out from each other. I have grown to love anthologies as they offer an insight into so many authors. I have discovered so many new books to read through anthologies and this one is no exception. My TBR list has grown exponentially and I cannot wait to start discovering them.
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 Baker2023-08-03 15:04:072023-08-04 12:29:24Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Kerry Baker
Where the Flowers Bloom is the debut book from D.L. Darby and I felt as if it was a very solid debut book.
Let’s start with all of the positive things, Daphne is a very well written, strong, heartfelt character, that I really enjoyed. I love that this book showcases that women can have an amazing friendship that last years without a bunch of cattiness. So often women are portrayed as being hateful and nasty to each other, and those of us who are fortunate enough to have wonderful, female friendships can appreciate the way that happens in this book. The author did a great job with the plot, keeping the book moving, and you can feel so many of the same emotions as the characters. I additionally, enjoyed Henry for the most part, although there were many instances that I felt , he was a bit judgmental and quick to jump to conclusions which I thought he had some nerve doing given all of the secrets that he was keeping.
The way that Daphne dealt with the loss of her mother and grieved hit home as I lost my mother this past year. The author did a very nice job of describing how some people feel and what goes on in your mind after the loss of a loved one. You could tell that she had been through this, and that really came out in the story. Some of my favorite quotes were these below, because one was a great reminder of the fact that lots of us deal with it, and lots of different ways, and the other because it was so pointed and brilliant.
“Grieving for a little while is one thing; taking years to get back to living life is another.“
“The important thing, I think, is never to hold someone accountable for their actions when they are grieving. People can be harsh and volatile even, but they lash out because they are in pain. It’s your choice how you deal with that. You can be there and not allow yourself to get close enough to get hurt. You can walk away and let them figure it out on their own. You can even hit them with some tough love and tell them to suck it up cause life goes on, and you have to keep living. But when you’re both in pain, when the tragedy affects both of you, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself as well.”
I honestly felt that this was much more a woman’s fiction novel than a romance novel. The only part I felt that made it jump to “romance “is the amount of sex scenes in the book. I think that the book could’ve stood very much on its own as a brilliantly written book with a few less sex scenes and the main focus, being the grief, the secrets, and how each person deals with those emotions differently. Don’t get me wrong. I have no problem with a book that has hot scenes in it, I just felt that this book was so much more than that and not in anyway a typical romance book. This is meant as a complement to how well the author writes, and is in no way saying that this is not a good book. Having said the above, I still fully believe that this is an author, you should take a chance on reading, and I think that overall you will find yourself grateful that you did.
Having lost both of my parents, and my mother in the past seven months this last quote brought me immense comfort, and I look forward to being someone else’s survival guide in the future.
“Brenè Brown to me, “One day, you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.”
Carnations and Hot Toddy Kisses (Heart of the Family Book 4) is the conclusion to the series and man am I sad. I wished we had “seen” Chris and Robin in the conclusion, but over all it was a great way to end the series. My heart melted at how every one got a happy ending and how it all cultivated. It was heart warming to see a family torn apart reunited. Great job!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Logan yoderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLogan yoder2023-08-03 14:57:542023-08-03 15:05:10Sage advice by cori cooper – Review by Logan Yoder
Let me just say that this series is getting better and better and I’m so sad that there’s only one book left in it. The authors writing and writing style has continued to grow tremendously. After dumping Autumn at the altar, Rye decides to go on his honeymoon alone. While, at his lowest of his life, he encounters a stranger Amy, who he decides to have a little fun with. Not knowing where this could lead to made for great enjoyment. I really liked, the character and my heart felt a tug given her situation back home. The way that the series intertwines with each other makes it that much more enjoyable, and the surprise discovered in book 3 (which I figured out) gave all of the characters a boost, in more ways than one.
I can’t wait to see how the author ties up the series and where everybody is left standing at the end. I’m glad that I gave an author I have never read before a try and try past book one. My recommendation would be if you read book one and don’t find it as wonderful as you think it could be don’t give up on the series because book 2 and 3 more than make up for it. Now on to book 4.
Roses and Champagne Kisses is book 2 of The Heart of the Family Series and let me just say I am so glad that I never stop reading an author based off of one book. Book 2 was so much better than the first book. I felt like the authors writing style really grew, I was much more connected to these characters, and I appreciated how she slowed down the instant love atmosphere. This book felt much more realistic and charismatic. I absolutely positively loved the character Finley, as well as Roan, their connection was palpable from the get-go, and I felt like the story telling was superb. I very much enjoyed all of the little twists, turns, and secrets. The connection between Roan and his brother Rye warmed my heart and made me laugh. It was nice to have Robin and Chris back from book one and see how their relationship had grown.
Book One ~ Lost Soul Let me start off by saying YES. Just so very much YES. If you love historical, paranormal, adventure, and a touch of romance, this is absolutely the series for you!! Julia, our main character, comes from a flourishing family in 16th century London. Her sweet love is turned sour when she is forced into an unwanted arranged marriage, and she finds her life spiraling out of control. But what happens when someone offers her a deal to take back control of her life, and the ability to fulfil her desires? Even if the cost is throwing her life into a completely new kind of chaos?
This is a beautifully written book, and I highly suggest taking the time to read!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michaelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichaela2023-08-03 14:47:132023-08-03 15:05:17LOST SOUL (WAR OF DESTINY BOOK 1) BY THERESA VAN SPANKEREN – REVIEW BY MICHAELA MASSIE
It’s truly not often that a second book in a series is every bit as good or better as the first book. However, I found myself loving book 2 every bit as much. This series truly is so sweet, romantic, and very endearing. Megan and Noah were once best friends many many years ago, but find themselves in a precarious situation with so many mixed emotions, irritation, and complications. Meg feels like the outsider in her own family and feels like Noah has taken her place. Watching their story unfold, I found myself, smiling, crying, and laughing out loud. Every character in the story is once again, a very strong character, and I feel as if the author does a unique job of giving everybody equal footing in her books. There were many times throughout the story that I felt strongly I wanted to slap Matt, so I love when a book makes me feel something so passionately. This author grabbed me right from the beginning and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for the future I’m just hoping I don’t have to wait until next Christmas for the next book in the series. This is easily a series that should be made into a holiday romance on a certain network.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Colleen Noyeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngColleen Noyes2023-08-03 14:36:032023-08-03 14:48:17Her Christmas Movie Kiss by Grace J. Croy – Review by Colleen Noyes
This is my first book by this author and I am so glad that I picked it up. I wanted to read some Christmas stories in December and the cover on this book let me just say OMG it is one of the prettiest covers I’ve ever seen. Imagine my delight when the story was every bit as good as the cover. I’m not usually an Insta love story kind of person, but this author did an absolutely amazing job of making everything so realistic. While, there was that instant connection I loved how the characters were written as mature adults throughout the story who while they had an attraction also realized That there were other things in play and that those things needed to be handled.
Jay is a single dad who is struggling in more ways than one with his daughter, and I loved the relationship that the two of them had. I enjoyed how this author portrayed the difficulty it can be for a man to be the single father of a 13-year-old girl, and that he may not understand how to communicate with her. I felt like they had such a special bond, and I often found myself with tears in my eyes, watching the struggles and how things unfold.
Livy felt like such a genuine, sweet, compassionate, caring person. She felt like that friend that you have in your life that tries to take care of everyone and everything, and makes an effort to take into account other peoples feelings and emotions.
This author did such a wonderful job of creating strong characters that I found myself feeling like I was in one of those “Hallmark” movies. I found such joy in Livy, finding herself in all of these clumsy, hysterical, silly situations. I felt that the author did a very good job of not over analyzing or overdoing any character in the entire story, including Jay’s family. The characters just felt real. Of all the Christmas books I read this year Her Christmas Rescue was hands-down, my favorite, well written, emotional, and 100% a feel good story that will leave you happy and satisfied.
“Good men are always complicated, but they are worth the effort. Trust me.”
This was my favorite line from the book, which was my first by this author. I chose it because we’re in the holiday season and I liked the title. It immediately starts out a little intense and we’re not sure what’s going to happen or which way it is leaning. Initially I was a little hesitant about the storyline because I’m not a huge Insta- love reader. I like the romance to build up and get more intense and realistic in the process. I found some of it to be implausible like Robin just immediately kind of settling in with a complete stranger and Chris taking a chance and letting a stranger come into his home, especially a home he shares with young children. Having said that, I’m glad that I stuck with the story, because by the end I felt the author had very much redeemed herself and some of the actions in the final chapters. I thought that this author had a very nice writing style, the story flowed smoothly without any gaps or issues. The characters are all realistic and lovable, even if their actions sometimes weren’t. My only suggestion would be for there to have been a little bit more build up, but overall I was pleased with the story as a whole and the outcome. I fully intend to buy the next book in the series.
Love, Only Better is the first book in the Bold Journeys Series. It is a beautifully written story of one woman’s journey to self-discovery and sexual empowerment. The story centers around the character of Rebecca who has just been dumped by her boyfriend. He refers to her as an “ice queen” and this is his reason for breaking up with her. Rebecca is devastated but saw the breakup coming. Her roommate is less than helpful and tells her it is for the best because she never liked him anyways. Rebecca has nobody to talk to about her “sexual problem” because the subject is taboo. Rebecca feels as though she cannot do anything right and as though her world is falling apart around her, so she decides to go on a journey to become a better person. This journey is a bit different than the typical eating healthier, going to the gym, working out, becoming a better person journey that most women would go through after a bad breakup. Rebecca decides to try to discuss the matter with her doctor and ultimately ends up becoming part of a research study. Through the study she learns a lot about herself, her sexuality, and gains self-confidence. Enough confidence that she decides to go after what she wants, one of which is the yummy relative of one of her neighbors. Through Rebecca’s journey she runs into some snags, hits some bumps in the road, but overall learns to be confident, strong, brave, and empowered. As her confidence and sexual empowerment improve Rebecca learns how sex and love combine to have a healthy, happy, vibrant relationship. Huge kudos to the author for her bravery in discussing the taboo subject of women’s sexuality. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
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 Barnes2023-08-03 14:30:342023-08-03 15:05:25Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
So, I’m not sure how I never read this book before or have seen the movie, but I was missing out. This is the story of two families and how different their lives are, but more importantly you see the struggles of each in their own way. This story had me crying from very early on and I never stopped until the end. I found it heart wrenching what one family had to endure, but realized that the other family was dealing with their own mess. It made you think about what is truly important in life and that being rich or poor doesn’t have much to do with it. We often take for granted those little things. One of the things that made me cry the most was Nathan’s mom explaining what was happening to her and that she could be so positive in the face of pain.
One of my favorite passages in the book was “Death’s power is limited– it cannot eradicate memories or slay love. It cannon destroy even a threadbare faith or permanently hobble the smallest hope in God. It cannot permeate the soul, it cannot cripple the spirit. It merely separates us for a while. That is the only power death can claim. — No more – Donna VanLiere”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Colleen Noyeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngColleen Noyes2023-08-03 14:28:292023-08-03 14:48:57The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere – Review by Colleen Noyes
We read this book as part of our book club and holy sweet Jesus what an excellent choice. This story had you from page 1 and kept your head spinning non stop. The characters are very well written, they are equally likeable and scary. The key to a great mystery is making you believe the killer is 80 different people and this book does that. While I did figure it out, most folks in my book club did not and that’s incredible. Watching Nora have to fight so hard to keep her identity a secret while fighting her inner demons was exhilarating. Women once again are being murdered, but you know her father can’t be doing it (or can he), it leaves so many options. One of the things that impressed me about this book was that the author does a magnificent job of making each character feel like a main character and you find yourself second guessing each and every one of them. The twists, turns, and psychological warfare you will go through will leave you invigorated and exhausted. I can not wait to read more by this author as this was my first book by her. If you enjoy a true psychological thriller, run out and grab this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Colleen Noyeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngColleen Noyes2023-08-03 14:26:092023-08-03 14:49:11The Locked Door by Freida McFadden – Review by Colleen Noyes
Plane crashes, Russian spies, ex military, heroes, and a love story. What more could you ask for? Jack and Hannah have a past. Neither one of them thought that they would see each other again, and believing that the future was dead. After Jack suffers the loss of his teenage love you can feel that in his mind his chance for happiness is gone. Hannah, having to grow up in such a rigid and difficult childhood that is overwhelmed by loss, has hardened her to everything around her, including a past connection with Jack. When these two encounter each other again , it’s in an unexpected and disastrous way. They have so many obstacles and trust issues to overcome that you have to wonder if there’s any hope at all. Seeing how much Jack has grown from Moments That Define Us, brings a new and refreshing light. Having all of the Gray Ghost guys back in the mix makes this book even more enjoyable. I appreciated the fact that this books time period was during the same time as Chris’s story. As all books that Amy McKinley writes in the series, this story had lots of romance, action, deception, and intrigue. The secret that Hannah discovers after so many years filled me with both anger and sadness. My heart ached for all the loss she had already endured, and then her realizing even more loss in a different way. This book had me from page one to the end and I can’t wait to see what the Gray Ghost guys encounter next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Colleen Noyeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngColleen Noyes2023-08-03 14:23:382023-08-03 14:49:25Beneath the Surface (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Colleen Noyes
Liz’s Road Trip is a beautifully written, wholesome, feel-good story about one woman’s journey after the loss of a loved one. The story centers around the character of Liz who has just lost her grandmother to cancer. When Liz goes through her grandmother’s phone, she discovers contact information for individuals she does not know. Information for financial advisors and messages from guys calling her grandmother “doll” peek Liz’s interest and has Liz questioning who her grandmother was. When one of her grandmother’s contacts calls persistently Liz finally answer. She is shocked to discover this stranger named Mark knows who she is and seems to have a lot of personal information on her. Then he drops the bomb that he is living in her grandmother’s house in Florida. This cannot be true, and this guy must be pulling a scam because her grandma did not own a home in Florida. As Mark and Liz talk it is discovered that Mark is a biographer who is writing about her grandma’s glamourous past as a Hollywood star who had a zest for life. Liz is surprised to learn about her grandma’s past and her secret life. Liz only knows her grandma as the sweet, loving person she grew up with. With her curiosity piqued Liz sets off on a road trip with her grandma’s cat to fulfill her grandma’s final wishes and to hopefully get answers. Through her journey Liz makes discoveries about herself, makes a friend in Mark, gains a confidante, and learns to live and love life. This was a heartfelt and uplifting story of Liz’s journey as she navigated through grief and loss of her grandma by learning more about her grandma’s past. I highly recommend this book!
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 Barnes2023-08-03 14:00:452023-08-04 12:29:09Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Holly Cooper loves being a nurse, but when she witnesses a murder during a shift in the ER she needs to find herself again. With childhood fears fast on her heels she’s following music festivals around Australia working and volunteering.
Kit Silverton is one piece of a research project about gardening as therapy. The project is working with children who have survived domestic violence. As a survivor himself, Kit has a lot of pain and guilt and he struggles to form and keep relationships.
When Kit’s partner in the project, and Holly’s grandmother, is injured, Holly is suggested as a replacement. She’s qualified, but Kit is finding it hard to believe with her pink hair and free spirit.
While working together, Holly and Kit can’t help but fall together, so when something goes wrong Kit is confronted by his worst fear: the violence inside himself. What will it take to prove he’s wrong?
This was a sweet, emotional read. I loved almost every step of the way, as it started out a bit slower than I anticipated.
I love the dynamic between Kit and Holly and Mona. The love and determination they have to help the children is evident in all the moves they make.
I think the only thing I’d love more is pictures of the gardens they’ve created!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tia Martelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTia Martel2023-08-03 13:58:242023-08-04 12:29:02Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tia Martel
This was a great thriller read with lots of plot twists! I was not expecting all the twists and turns in this story. Detective Scala has to use his instincts to solve these murders. I did not realize this was the second book in this series until after I had already started the book and I will say it was not needed to read the first. I am sure you miss some character background so I will be reading the first one. I enjoyed the writing style and this book made for a quick read since I was anxious to know what happened next. Detective Scala has so much compassion for his victims that I feel it makes him a better detective. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep me wanting more. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series with Detective Scala. If you are looking for a good mystery/thriller then I definitely recommend picking up this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2023-08-03 13:27:512023-08-04 12:22:55The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Carla Clemmons
Granting Katelyn is Book Two in The Sweet Valley Series. It is a beautifully written, heart wrenching, western romance set in a small town that centers around the characters of Katelyn and Grant. The story is told from the POV of both MC’s so the reader gains insight into Katelyn and Grant’s history and thought process. The storyline is engaging, and the characters are ones that will instantly tug at your heartstrings when you read about their back stories. Katelyn is an all-state barrel racing champion and equine therapist with a no-nonsense, take-charge attitude. She does not back down from a challenge and comes across to some as aggressive. For those that know Katelyn they know that she does not put up with nonsense from anyone. When she is approached to help Grant with his horse that suffered injuries in an accident she did not realize that she would be helping Grant as well. Both Grant and his horse sustained injuries in the same accident, and it has left them broken. Grant comes across as overbearing, grumpy, and rude which makes Katelyn’s work a bit more challenging. Sadly, Grant has endured horrendous emotional abuse at the hands of his manipulative father which has left him scarred and broken. As Katelyn and Grant get to know one another they help one another heal. The chemistry between them grows and they find healing through love. This was an emotional rollercoaster ride as Katelyn and Grant overcame numerous challenges and learned to trust in order to heal. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
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 Barnes2023-08-03 13:23:402023-08-04 12:22:48Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2023-08-03 13:08:122023-08-04 12:22:37Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
This was a gripping story that had me turning pages so fast. The author immediately draws you into the story and the action starts from the page. The main character Jessica is a strong determined woman but she is also hurting and carrying a lot of pain around from her childhood which she hides by drinking too much Tequila and one night stands. My heart went out to her but also to her best friend Angus who tries so hard to help her save herself and stop her destructive ways. As someone who has watched a loved one drown in drink it is part of the story I can’t relate to.
Jessica is a Real Estate agent. She is used to crossing the borders and securing deals. So when she is offered a job of finding the missing daughter of a rich Mexican she thinks it will be an easy job with great payment. As she starts to investigate she realises she knows nothing at all about this type of things and her investigating brings her to the attention of some very dangerous people. Can she find the missing girl? Will she pay for her searching with her life? Add to this the constant battle she has already going on inside herself with demons from the past and this is because a fast paced story where Jessica doesn’t know who she can trust, and who is spinning her lies.
I loved this story and I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. Jessica is an amazing character, I loved how strong and resilient she is, how determined she is to make things work and see things through no matter the cost. The author does an amazing job of showing the audience the internal struggle that Jessica goes through as she starts to fight and overcome her demons from her past.
Back to the 80s is a delightful rom-com that transported me to an era I love. If you’ve lived through the 80s, this book will resonate with you and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the fashion, music, toys, and everything that defined that era. The story revolves around an enemies-to-lovers romance, but what sets it apart is its refreshing and laid-back approach compared to typical books of this genre. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing their relationship evolve throughout the book. Right from the start, I was captivated by the plot and loved Blaine and the other shop owners. The characters were well-crafted, relatable, and oozed creativity, immersing me deeply in their journey. Blaine’s ownership of the quirky “Back to the 80s” novelty shop, passed down from her late mother, adds an endearing touch to the story. Meanwhile, Eric, a developer connected to his family’s construction company, threatens her shop’s existence as he plans to develop the mall where Blaine’s store stands. The author beautifully blends humor into the narrative, with some lines genuinely making me laugh. In contrast, others brought on a cheesy smile and eye roll—just the perfect ingredients for a rom-com experience. This book was an entertaining summer read, and I recommend it to fellow rom-com enthusiasts who enjoy 80s nostalgia.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nicolehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNicole2023-08-03 10:41:332023-08-04 12:22:20Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Nicole DeSantis
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