Cat Treadgold is an amazing author, who has a knack for weaving a tale that will have you guessing the outcome at every turn! This romance novel takes place in a small area of Washington state. The beauty that she describes in her book is so breathtaking and so surreal, it’s like a paradise where people can go to hide away from the world, which is exactly what country star, Joe, was seeking after having surgery that required him to remain silent. The atmosphere of this entire book was just so realistic, it was as if the author was telling someone’s story that she’d been a part of. I love how easily the story flowed, and all the ups and downs. It was exciting, as well as a thrill ride to see who Joe would end up with. The sweet, down-to-earth girl of his dreams, Ali, who happened to stumble upon Joe out of the blue while recovering from his throat surgery, or his on-again-off-again wild ride of a girlfriend who was also his duet partner. The second you start this series; you are not going to want to stop so be prepared to hop on the roller coaster ride this book promises to give, because you won’t be disappointed. @Brandy Rymer 09/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-09-13 23:29:132023-09-14 09:31:47The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Brandy Rymer
This the second book in this series and it is well written and draws you in easily just as the first book did. Much like the return of the prodigal son Liam comes back into his twin sister Ali’s life, but not without secrets and more scars than he left with. Theresa seems to be running from everything, maybe for good reason when “little accidents” start mysteriously happening. Can they figure out who is behind it all, and why? Although this a series you don’t have to read book one, but I definitely recommend it so you get backstory on these characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashlyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshly2023-09-13 23:27:062023-09-14 09:31:40The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Ashly Renner
This is a very well written book. I love how it has the two different perspectives. It is lighthearted but also thought provoking. It makes you laugh, makes you cry, and keeps you on your toes. Be ready to be reading for a while because once you start it’s hard to put it down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2023-09-13 22:31:292023-09-14 09:31:31A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Heather Goodman
Let me start off by saying that you don’t NEED to read the first book in this series, BUT I would recommend that you DO! You really get so much more information and backstory on the characters in book one, that will help to understand them in this one a bit. Plus why not just start at the beginning? This book follows Liam who is Ali’s sister from book one. After an explosion (read book 1!!), Liam was thought to be dead for years! Ali and her husband Joe hire an investigator to look into things and by a small chance they find him! Being well into her pregnancy Ali couldn’t go after him, so they sent Joe’s sister Teresa. She wanted to travel and see the world, and this gave her the perfect excuse. Two birds, one stone. Finding him scarred physically and mentally he agrees to come back to the states to stay with his sister while he figures out his next plans for life. Teresa heads back as well and helps Joe and Ali find the perfect place for them and their soon to come twin girls. She finds a great three story compound with a few guest cabins on plenty of land. Being VERY pregnant with twins, she welcomes all the help that both Liam and Teresa provide staying in the guest cabins. Ali and Joe head back to have the babies at the hospital and that leaves Liam and Teresa all alone. Unfortunately Teresa has a few scary accidents, some of which could have killed her. Has she always been so accident prone? Or was someone trying to send a message? Finding a man with a camera on the property they start to think it’s just paparazzi. Liam sets up security and even picks up a couple guard dogs, but these accidents just seem to find her where ever she goes. Even in town! After a man pushes her off a dock into the freezing water, she finally goes back home leaving Liam alone. Liam does everything he can to keep himself busy and keep his mind off Teresa, but even night life in town doesn’t help. Going on a three day hike is his next plan. Ali, Joe, the twins, and Teresa come back to the compound the week he’s heading for his hike and it just happens to be Ali and Liam’s birthday too! With a weekend dinner party planned the house is full with friends, the new nanny, and the twins. Talk about busy, busy! I could go on and on about this book! So much happens! So much suspense! Like who is trying to hurt Teresa? What was Liam doing those three years when everyone thought he was dead? Is he really an assassin? Or spy? And what will become of both Teresa and Liam? Will the past come to bite him in the butt? And will Teresa find her calling?? Will she go back to Paul? Or maybe the yoga instructor! You have got to check this book out!! I personally can’t wait to read the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2023-09-13 22:26:492023-09-14 09:28:41The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
I’m not sure where to start this review. First I enjoyed it and absolutely adored both Wes and Mina from the beginning when they were best friends in 5th grade.
A lot changes in the years they were apart, except their connection to one another. The moment they see one another its like no time has passed.
High school Mina struggled a lot with who she was, almost like she had a foot in the past world she lived in and one in the current world which could not have been any different. Seeing her discover who she really was one of the things I enjoyed the most about this book.
Wes was someone I could relate to, he didn’t allow his not so great childhood define him and did what he could to change to make sure he didn’t repeat others mistakes.
This book hit me deeper than I could have anticipated, it will be one of the books that I will carry with me for a while.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2023-09-13 22:16:262023-09-14 09:28:32A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Robin Rankin
This is the second book in this series. I do recommend you read the first just so you have some background before jumping into this. But you do not have to. I don’t want to give too much away. But the way the chemistry and emotions that this author writes into these characters is amazing. I will be continuing this series most definitely.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Marlowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Marlow2023-09-13 21:17:272023-09-14 09:28:22The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Michelle Marlow
Amaleigha Makes a Friend is a wonderful and inspiring children’s book. This is not the first book about Amaleigha I have read to my son. We love them- the stories are deep and meaningful topics, written in a light and meaningful way for children. The illustrations are bright and colorful. We hardly got a couple pages in before my son was asking me to google things- Is that a real place? What does it look like? What does that food look like? Can we try it? Can we celebrate Christmas that long? Did the war happen? On and On. I loved it- this story really got his little mind running and he did not slow down. We didn’t even finish the book before he had me messaging his teacher to ask about setting up a pen pal for his class in another country. I will always recommend this author, and have passed along this book to my son’s 2nd grade teacher. Thank you for another great book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-09-13 20:35:132023-09-14 09:28:15Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Mina has been bullied since she was a young child. Called many names just because she had a single mother, wore used clothes and lived in a trailer park. Mina all but gave up on finding friends until one day in Grade 5 a new kid named Wesley started at her school. He also came from a troubled past. Currently living in an all boys foster home while his dad is constantly in and out of the picture. Quickly the two became fast friends and eventually more. That is until one day in Grade 7, Wesley left without so much as a goodbye.
Mina’s mother married a rich man and their lives turned around. She went from thrift store finds to name brand clothing, a trailer to a mansion, public school to a fancy private school. She knew in order to survive this, she had to adapt. Mina became the Queen of the school wearing a mask and pretending her past did not exist.
It all became threatened when Wesley reappeared into her life. It has been years since the two have seen each other but old feelings are hard to fight especially when they are for your first love.
Mina worked hard to put up all these walls to survive her new life. Wesley wants to tear it all down so he can once again see the Mina he knows is in there somewhere.
This was a cute read. Childhood sweethearts reuniting in highschool. I was rooting for them from the beginning. I really liked Mina’s character. She thought she could not be herself to be accepted, the only one who ever made her feel like she could be herself was Wesley. Now that she has new friends, new clothes, new attitude, she doesn’t even know who she is anymore and is it worth all the pain to bring the past to the present and potentially ruin the future she worked so hard for.. Mina struggles with her own self worth and image. I really enjoyed reading her character arc. The authors did a really good job at portraying the intense emotions of a confused teenage girl who had her heart broken.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2023-09-13 20:19:472023-09-14 09:28:05A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Santana Hicks
I absolutely loved this installment of The Olympic Peninsula series! It pulled on my emotions in multiple different ways, and I found myself captivated by the storytelling from this author. I was invested in the characters almost immediately and was kept on my toes throughout the entire book. I felt like this had quite a good flow and never felt pulled out of my book daze at all. You’ll enjoy the way the author so artfully creates Teresa and Liam’s story! I highly recommend picking up this series and also suggest reading them in order to get a fuller experience.
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 Kern2023-09-13 20:13:532023-09-14 09:27:56The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shannen Kern
All I can say is WOW!!!! This was easily a hands-down 5-star read for me!!! The story was great, the characters were great, and the writing was great!!!
Wesley and Mina came into each other’s lives as children at a time when they needed one another. Wesley became Mina’s protector from vicious bullies, and Mina changed his life as well. The two became best friends, and then a crush, and then had the potential to become so much more even though they were children. Their little happiness bubble burst when Wesley disappeared without even letting Mina know. She was heartbroken, and life changed for her and her mother in ways they didn’t think possible. Years later, she is now the queen of her elite private school, and her life on the wrong side of the tracks is a distant memory until her past shows up at her school in the form of her best friend and first love, Wesley. No one knows about her past, and Wesley not only threatens her new life, but he still has the power to destroy her heart.
There were so many great things I loved about this book. The chemistry between Mina and Wes was electric, the softness and tenderness they shared also melted my heart. Some of my favorite parts of the book were their cherished memories of their childhood. Despite their painful childhood, their bond and that innocent love they had for one another made the darkness a little lighter!
“Pain and loss bound us together, along with a connection so deep it could hardly be explained. I loved him.” ~Mina
Something that set this book apart from other similar books was the heroine. Mina was the alpha. To her so-called friends, she ruled the school and at times could appear calculating. To Wesley, she appeared to have grown into the type of person that terrorized her as a child. Appearances can be deceiving…was she really that cold queen of the school or were there pieces of that young girl he fell for still in there?
“No matter the mask Mina chose to wear, it would be my job to prove to her she was good enough without it. I would remind her of what was beneath, of the little girl who played in the rain with me without a care in the world. It was time to set Mina free, to release her from the shackles of Ridgefield Academy and her so-called friends.” ~Wesley
Wesley does see some of the pieces buried deep inside of her. Despite her position at the top of the food chain in her school, she wanted to remember those forgotten pieces of herself. And, there were pieces of that little girl who cared for others still there, her volunteering at the YMCA and being a protector for those at school who were bullied. She was such a beautifully flawed and complex character, I LOVED her!
What was there not to love about Wesley? He was gorgeous, but it was his heart that was even more beautiful. He didn’t care what others thought of him, and man what a strong person he was! He endured so much as a child, yet somehow, became such a wonderful human being. It tugged on my heartstrings that he wanted Mina to show the world who she really was, and she didn’t have anything to be ashamed of. He didn’t want her to hide her light; he wanted her to show that light to the world!
As you can see, I fell in love with this special couple. However, it wasn’t only the characters that made the book so good! The story itself was fantastic. Even though it was a romance, it was also a lesson in life….despite your past, you don’t have to let it determine your future. You can use your past to make life better not only for you but for others as well. Whatever side of the train tracks you come from, it doesn’t determine the type of human being you become. Money and privilege don’t buy you happiness or make you better than anyone else.
Finally, the writing was excellent! The words these ladies wrote were just beautiful, and some of them were almost lyrical. All these things combined made for a fantastic book that I didn’t want to see end.
I have never read anything by these two writers, but they make a phenomenal team. They set themselves apart as a standout in this genre. It was such a beautiful and emotional love story, and I LOVED it! I cannot wait to read more books by them!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christie Mitchumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristie Mitchum2023-09-13 20:05:212023-09-14 09:27:48A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Christie Mitchum
Loved this book! Romance and suspense in one? Yes please! Author did a great job with description and I just loved the story all around. Amazing characters which I fell in love with! Well written and I can’t wait to start reading the next book! Highly suggest this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Sugarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Sugar2023-09-13 20:03:232023-09-14 09:27:40The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Ashley Sugar
What another great book!!!! I loved the first book in this series and I couldn’t wait to start this one! I loved it just as much. This author is easily becoming one of my favorites! I love the writing style and I love the way the story just grabs my attention. Romantic suspense is one of my favorites and I have fallen in love with these books and characters. I couldn’t get enough.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Sugarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Sugar2023-09-13 19:55:572023-09-14 09:27:32The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Ashley Sugar
Mina and Wes’s journey was not what I thought it was going to be…it was so much more!
Mina and Wes meet in elementary school and become best friends only to become one another’s world and first loves to Wes disappearing from Mina’s world one day.
Fast forward five years and Mina’s world has gone from rags to riches courtesy of her mom’s husband. Wes reappears in her new world, but Wes is still Wes. Mina, well, Mina has become a Queen, uhm…chameleon trying to fit into her new world.
Wes’ reappearance throws a wrench in her life, and they learn true love can overcome life’s tragedies and you don’t have to change who you are to appease society.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This was a clean romance, not a smut romance book like I normally read but it was well written, and I did get lost in the pages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maria Colonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaria Colon2023-09-13 19:47:052023-09-14 09:27:24A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Maria Colon
A Forever Kind of Thing was a great teen love story. Mina is a 5th grader who is not liked by most in her school. One day, a new kid, Wes decides to sit next to her. She warns this cute new boy he probably doesn’t want to associate with her, but he takes his chances. This is the start of their love story. They quickly became best friends, but Wes had a crush on Mina and they were inseparable. Unfortunately, Wes is a foster child, his father is a drug addict, and he moves around a lot. A few years of being friends, Wes has to leave, but does so without saying goodbye to Mina. Both are living apart and heartbroken. Mina’s senior year, we come to find out she is living a very different life. She has jumped the tracks to the rich kids and goes to a private school. She has transformed herself to survive in this new school, and everyone loves her. However, guess who moves back to the area and is awarded a scholarship to the same school Mina goes to? Yes, Wes. This takes both of them for a loop, but the feelings of wanting each other have never left. Can they get back to what they once had? Will he run when he is in his feelings? I enjoyed this story. It was sweet and emotional, but it was also hopeful. Wes was an amazing character. He was smart, determined, honest, and caring, but also beautifully broken. Mina was a great character too. Once you realize why she was behaving in her senior year the way she was, you can relate more to her. In the beginning, you wanted to shake her into reality. I loved seeing her progress back to the person she was with Wes’ help and being able to be the rock he needed. I am a sucker for teen romance and really enjoyed this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2023-09-13 19:05:172023-09-14 09:27:16A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
Requited love stories are always the best! This is a story about Mina and Wes, who first meet in the 5th grade and instantly connect. Mina was considered an outsider and bullied by her classmates. Wes excelled in his confidence even though he’s been living in group homes. They grow up and also their feelings towards one another grow too. When they reach age 13, Wes suddenly disappears and she is left with so many unanswered questions. As years pass on and still feeling the hurt, Mina’s mom marries a wealthy man and although she is enjoying the benefits of living this new kind of life, she doesn’t forget of her humble beginnings and of kindness. Another ironic thing that happens when tables have switched her is her chance encounter with Wes. As he’s continued to struggle to make a life of his own, he is still the same boy Mina has known long ago. Their chemistry is great as lost loves find a way back to each other.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2023-09-13 18:56:352023-09-14 09:27:08A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jennifer Ramos
Good story about pen pals…brings back memories of me and my pen pals. One in school and one as an adult before social media took off. Great way to learn about other people and countries. Good information about how war affects children and families even when the crisis is somewhere else. Cute illustrations as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2023-09-13 18:11:032023-09-14 09:26:55Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Shannon Fowler
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195026276-a-forever-kind-of-thing” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Forever Kind of Thing” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692116706l/195026276._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195026276-a-forever-kind-of-thing”>A Forever Kind of Thing</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5932819.Carrie_Thomas”>Carrie Thomas</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5840552871″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> This was such a cute young-adult romance! Mina and Wes became best friends in 5th grade. They both fell in love but were so young and couldn’t predict the ups and downs of life. One day Wes disappeared from Mina’s life and she was left heartbroken. Flash forward to high school, Mina is now living a brand new life. She is wealthy, popular, and her new schools “Queen.” Midyear, her school accepts an unlikely student transfer, Wes! I love Mina and Wes’s relationship. They care about each other deeply and are truly friends before lovers. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Mariehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Marie2023-09-13 17:51:072023-09-14 09:26:48A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jasmin Marie
OMFG. That ending. O.M.G. ok rewind. These two young adults meet at a party, have unprotected sex and Aspen gets pregnant. Most of the time Aspen and Phoenix clash like fire and ice but then there are times where they both burn equally! Aspen is being very adult like in her responsibilities. Phoenix is still undecided. I am not sure how I feel about him. He has a bad attitude, he’s angry…a lot. Hoping he can redeem himself. But loving this story line.
This book is not a stand alone. This series is not a stand alone. Each “set” of books or duet is about a different couple. The Hidden Valley Elite starts when these characters were in high school. They have moved up to college now and life is still hitting them full force.
Loving this series and can hardly wait to see who and what is next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2023-09-13 17:21:022023-09-14 09:26:41Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannon Fowler
I absolutely loved the story of Morgan and Blake. The way in which they meet is just cute and funny, and the fact that Blake and Morgan’s daughter Ciara get along is just perfect. Of course it is a guarantee in this situation that they would fall in love, but not without some headaches along the way. I like that the added drama of Morgan’s ex Fawn was put in the story, it added so much extra and made my love for Blake and Morgan grow because of my irritation for Fawn and all her ridiculous antics. Sweet ending and lovely ending.
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 Reed2023-09-13 17:04:232023-09-14 09:26:30Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Carrie Reed
This is my first book by Kimberly Mullins and it was not disappointing. I was excited cause I love Christmas time and thought it would be a wonderful story to read. There is so much mystery, drama, suspense and superb writing. Definitely want to read another by Kimberly.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-09-13 16:55:122023-09-14 09:26:22Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tonya Merritt
This is a stand alone book in the series. I do recommend reading the first in the series though so you have some back knowledge of everyone. Liam is Ali’s twin brother and everyone thought he was dead till he showed up. He comes to help Ali and her husband. It is a suspenseful tale, full of woes and romances.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-09-13 16:33:582023-09-14 09:26:14The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Tonya Merritt
The Guardsman is Book Two in The Olympic Peninsula Series. It is a romantic suspense novel that centers around the character of Liam. Although it can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading the first book to gain a better understanding of the characters and their backstories. Liam was mentioned in the first book as the twin brother to Ali. He was missing and presumed dead after a terrorist attack occurred while he was stationed abroad. Although three years has passed, Ali has never given up hope that he would be found. When a private investigator finds Liam working as security in Jerusalem he agrees to move home to be with his sister, Ali, and her husband, Joe.
Liam has had a troublesome past that has left him emotionally scarred. While they were growing up in the foster care system, he did his best to keep himself and Ali safe. They both had a rough childhood and Liam practically raised his twin sister. Now three years after the terrorist attack he still feels broken. Liam is trying to piece his life back together and move forward from the trauma of his past. He hopes to do that with the help of his sister Ali, and her husband, Joe. What Liam does not expect is for his entire life to change when he meets Joe’s sister, Theresa, who is also staying with them. Theresa is fleeing a bad relationship and seeking a safe place to regroup and relax. When Liam meets Theresa, he does not like her and feels that she is a bit of a high society princess. Yet, he cannot help but find himself attracted to her. When mysterious little accidents begin to occur around Theresa, Liam steps in to protect her. As the two spend time together Liam cannot deny that he loves her feisty attitude and enjoys the witty banter between them.
This was another great book by this talented author, and I was thrilled to read Liam’s story. After book one I was wondering if he would have his own book. The storyline was riveting, and the characters were lovable and engaging. Liam was a broken man with a lot of trauma from his past that he was desperately trying to overcome. I loved watching how his character grew and evolved through the book. Theresa was an unlikely romance interest for Liam, but she seemed to be just what he needed to move forward in his life. Liam felt happy, alive, and hopeful when he was around Theresa. The problem was whether he could allow himself to feel happiness and fall in love. This was a beautifully written story with trauma, loss, despair, grief, hope, passion, romance, and unexpected love. 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 Barnes2023-09-13 16:30:062023-09-14 09:26:07The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I remember having pen pals when I was in elementary school. Of course we wrote to people in the United States though. I loved the story and how we learned just as much as Amaleigha about Ukraine. It was wonderfully written and perfectly detailed for young children.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-09-13 16:21:502023-09-14 09:25:59Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Tonya Merritt
This was my first book by these authors and they did not disappoint at all. The book had a lot of emotions involved. The details was on point. The world building and characters was well thought of. It definitely was a page turner for me. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-09-13 15:31:212023-09-14 09:31:20A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Melissa Fink
This is another great addition to this series and yet another brilliant book by this author. It was so easy to reconnect with the main character even though it had been a while since I have read an Eve Sawyer book. This book follows on from book three, although it can be read as a standalone. This is quite a short story, which is a trait I have come to expect from this author. And yet, even though it is a shorter story, it doesn’t feel like anything is lacking or rushed. I connected with the book immediately and I read it all in one sitting. This is definitely one of my go to authors and I would recommend all of her books.
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 Baker2023-09-13 15:28:502023-09-14 09:31:14A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Kerry Baker
A Forever Kind of Thing is a young adult contemporary romance that centers around the character of a teen girl named Mina. Mina is used to being bullied and teased because she has grown up poor and wears secondhand clothing. Her classmates are cruel, mock her, call her names, and spread rumors about her mom. When a new boy enters Mina’s fifth grade classroom, she cannot help but notice how cute he is and the confidence he exudes. Mina expects him to avoid her like all the other students and sit beside one of what would be considered a ‘cool kid’. Instead, the new student sits beside Mina and starts to talk to her. Mina tries to warn him that if he talks to her that he will be mocked and explains to him how the other kids bully and tease her. Rather than running scared the new student introduces himself as Wes, and Mina learns that they have a lot in common. Mina and Wes become fast friends and for the next two years the pair are practically joined at the hip. Then Wes suddenly vanishes, and Mina is left with a lot of questions and a broken heart.
Fast forward five years and Mina’s life has taken a drastic turn after her mom has married a wealthy man. Suddenly Mina has the life she thought she could only dream of. She is attending a prestigious school, wearing designer clothing, and is the most popular girl in school. When Wes suddenly reappears and pops back into Mina’s life, she is worried that he will reveal her secrets and ruin her new life. Wes has not had an easy life over the last five years as he has remained poor and in the foster system. Old feelings resurface and Mina is conflicted between her new life of popularity and the love of someone who truly knows her and loves her regardless of her background. The push and pull between Mina and Wes takes the two down a rocky road as they try to navigate their dark pasts and their feelings for one another. Can Wes and Mina ever truly have a life together?
I loved the writing style of these authors and found the storyline compelling. The characters were ones that I was immediately drawn to and found myself relating to. Mina was smart, strong, feisty, and determined to have a better life than what she had. She was tired of being bullied and teased for being poor and wearing secondhand clothing. Her classmates were cruel, and she struggled to feel worthy of anyone. Mina wanted more out of life and dreamed of leaving her small town. When she met Wes, she found someone who saw her for who she was and genuinely cared for her. He did not care about where she came from or that she wore secondhand clothing. Wes was also someone who grew up poor and had a less than desirable life growing up within the foster system. When Mina and Wes became friends, it changed both of their lives. They found friendship, love, hope, strength, courage, and allies in one another. That all came with a price though when their friendship seemingly dissolved into thin air. Love and hope turned to grief, loss, and heartache. When Mina and Wes were reunited after years apart the feelings were still there but the two had led very different lives and taken very different paths. The ensuing journey was one full of angst, drama, betrayal, hurt, anger, and second chances. 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 Barnes2023-09-13 15:27:152023-09-14 09:31:06A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I thought this was a lovely story from the moment I started reading. I really warmed to the main characters in this story and I thought the connection they had was great to see. It was believable, engaging and well written. I was swept up in their journey and really enjoyed getting to know them. The author managed to strike the perfect balance in how this book was written. There was passion and chemistry but it was also lighthearted and entertaining. It is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is a truly enjoyable book that I would highly recommend.
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 Baker2023-09-13 15:09:132023-09-14 09:30:59Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Kerry Baker
I’m not sure why I thought this book would be about anything but murders and cops but I did; Legitimately thought it was about religion and other things but was surprised to start reading and it wasn’t. I love the storyline following Nic through her days as she struggles with ptsd and Con who just wants to help her and figure out the problem all while trying to catch a murderer. Shew. It is a suspenseful tale, full of twists, turns, chemistry and so much more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-09-13 14:47:402023-09-14 09:30:52Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Tonya Merritt
Emma’s intuition is tingling again as an invitation to a party feels like a trap. As she navigates a new responsibility will it work as a distraction as the trap is sprung? Emma is a no-nonsense super smart lady who is really good at connecting the dots. This is another great installment of the Notebook Mysteries.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daree Blakehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaree Blake2023-09-13 14:24:592023-09-14 09:30:44Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Daree Blake
This book was beautiful and made me cry! Such a sweet story of two young people communicating across the world – it just goes to show that children know the true meaning of friendship. I also learnt a lot about the Ukraine and its culture through this story! Definitely recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gillianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGillian2023-09-13 13:16:012023-09-14 09:30:35Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Gillian Fawell
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