Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin is a romance suspense
A cunning killer’s bizarre scheme entangles McIntire County deputy Nicolette Rivers after a spate of mysterious suicides in the tranquil Iowa hamlet of Eider. The Priest will stop at nothing to expose Nic, a former marine sniper suffering from PTSD, and her terrible secrets. Nic is tasked with working with Eider police investigator Con O’Hanlon to find out what caused the suicides. She consistently rejects his assistance, but the obstinate Irishman persists.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-09-12 19:36:472023-09-14 09:13:10Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
This was a cute book that I enjoyed reading with my nieces ages 10 and 11. Each of them took turns reading, each did very well so it was easy to read and understand. This story actually really had them wanting to also have a pen pal. It’s a story that also had us learning new things about a different place so that was fun, it also had some difficult subject matter but this author handled it wonderfully. My nieces really got hooked and it opened a lot of different conversations with them about different parts of the world. The art work wasn’t every page but when it was there it was colorful and well done.Over all we’d give this book a four star rating and my nieces would like more stories like this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2023-09-12 19:24:122023-09-14 09:13:02Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Katie Kearney
Wow!!! I immediately went looking for another psychological thriller the second I finished this!! I can’t believe I haven’t read more of this genre! This author did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing. I was all about the who? Why? How? the entire book. Will read more by this talented author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trista Martinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrista Martin2023-09-12 19:05:232023-09-14 09:12:55The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Trista Martin
This is a cute YA second chance romance. These two meet as young kids, both residing on the poor side of town one in a trailer park and one in a boys home. Instantly hit it off, until one day he is just gone. Fast forward a few years and her life is vastly different and he is once again in the boys home. They have to learn to navigate even a friendship with all the changes that have occurred over the years. Cute, recommend to anyone you likes a high school romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trista Martinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrista Martin2023-09-12 19:00:322023-09-14 09:12:15A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Trista Martin
This was a great cozy mystery! I just recently started reading this genre and I loved how this one wrapped up the story. I did not realize this was the fourth book in a series but was still able to follow along with the characters. I will go back and read the other three as I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. There was an unexpected plot twist that took me by surprise. I think Eve, Randall and Cassie make a great team and flow well together. I really like Eve’s personality and how she just wants to jump right in and her friends support that part of her with ease. I will definitely be reading more from this author starting with book one in 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.pngCarla2023-09-12 18:25:502023-09-14 09:11:59A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Carla Clemmons
This was a great book!! I really enjoyed Killer Blonde but this story had me at the edge of my seat! While you can read this as a standalone I recommend reading Killer Blonde….and Detective Cade is back!! Cat and mouse, mystery, suspense/thriller, crime….
Detective Cade Dawkins is back after stopping a serial killer….but the tides are turning after he is notified of a website that has Cade on their radar….this website is serial killers now targeting him. Once this notice is out whom will outsmart whom? Will Cade be more in danger or will the killers get him before it is to late!!
Another great read and I cannot wait to read more!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-09-12 18:24:142023-09-14 09:11:51Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
A Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram is available now in eBook, Audio book, and Physical Book ⭐️⭐️⭐ Book Review
A Mother’s Threat introduces us to Violet Cleaveland who is working on opening her very own security business. When she takes on her first client she doesn’t realize her mother is going to be her biggest threat (hence the name of the novel). A Mother’s Threat, full of family drama, tackles quite a few hard topics: child abandonment, mental abuse, and manipulation. This was my first time reading a novel written by Specht Oram. It was a short, simple, to the point type of read. Almost too simple for me hence the 3 stars. I wish there would have been more back history of the relationship for Violet and Daisy. There were some brief snippets of why they had the relationship they had but not much to go off of. I understood the concept of the story but it didn’t seem like there was enough there to write a 230 page novel about. I did enjoy Specht Oram’s writing style. Her characters were down to earth and simple. Her story line flowed and kept the reader interested. At the end of the day, I would not hesitate to give this author another try in the near future.
This was a very good cat and mouse crime thriller that felt like this could happen in real life. Murder, mystery, mayhem, danger, twists and turns and some intense moments….the thrill of the kill by this mystery serial killer and the detective whom is out to track them down…..
Someone is out to and has their eyes on tall, beautiful blonde women and to make a statement and end their life. Planning, stalking and the methods…one by one, women are dying. Detective Cade Dawkins is highly known and out to put an end to this killer. Will Detective Cade find this serial killer before more it is to late or will the killer outwit the law.
Great read and highly recommended….looking forward to more from this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-09-12 18:04:482023-09-14 09:11:32Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This short novella is part of the Notebook Mysteries series and makes for a quick and easy read. This can be read as a standalone, but to truly appreciate the background and characters I recommend reading the rest of the series. Emma and Jeremy are once again set on solving a mystery, this time at Christmas after being invited to a party. Emma begins investigating almost immediately, sensing something is off which is just one of many reasons I love her. As per usual when reading this series, the author’s easy flowing writing style heightened my enjoyment by painting vivid imagery of both characters and scenery. As always I eagerly await more from the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-09-12 17:56:062023-09-14 09:11:24Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
My second Notebook mystery, I chose this for the cover- not only does it show a stunning Victoria era dress, it is very festive. Normally I don’t read a ton of Christmas novellas, but this one was intriguing, especially because it centered around Emma, a character I very much enjoyed in A Parisian Intrigue.
The entire story line revolves around the 5 W’s of the party- the who was pretty easily figured out, but the rest took until the end of the novella to uncover. I enjoyed how this was kept down to a novella- I think the idea, while great in the less than 150 pages, would have suffered in a longer text.
I enjoyed finding out more about Hen, and can’t wait to figure out if her story line continues. Like A Parisian Intrigue, the pacing and world building of this novella made it a one night, but rememberable read. The only thing I wish was stronger was the conclusion, which I thought was rushed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-09-12 17:49:212023-09-14 09:11:17Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Crain
I rated this a star lower than the first book, 4 stars instead of 5, because I personally didn’t care for the brutal descriptions of the murders, and felt it wasn’t needed in parts to allow the story to keep on moving. I felt the story dragged at times; for example, it was obvious from the get go there were two killers, but the time it took to get there was slow.
I did enjoy the comical name and reoccurring jibes of the task force name (Five Below). My favorite quotation from the book was”The other two grad students grinned. One said, “Murder vacation: band name.” because it comically relieves a relatively dark book (I felt this one was darker than book #1). I did think the reoccurring stereotypical cop jokes got old after the first few references to donuts. Although I did connect with Cade in his dislike of elevator music.
All in all, I would read book #3 of the series when it comes out and see where it is going.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-09-12 17:28:432023-09-14 09:11:09Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Crain
This romantic thriller is the first book in the McIntire County series, and I was hooked from the start. It’s a well-written novel that you can’t help but try to solve the mystery alongside the characters and the well-placed twists throw you for a loop in the best way. The best display of the great writing is in the character of Nic and her battling with PTSD. Now a Sheriff’s deputy she begins investigating a string of apparent suicides, but her PTSD is affecting her worse as her past is brought ever closer to the surface. As someone familiar with the effects of PTSD it was interesting to see how this would be written and I must say that I was impressed. Obviously not everyone’s PTSD is the same, but this showed a deep understanding of how it can affect the person suffering and those close to them. I enjoyed the development of the relationship develop between Nic and Con, his understanding and patience as she resists his help and eventually seeing the relationship become more was rewarding among the negativity being faced. This was a great read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-09-12 17:25:222023-09-14 09:25:38Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a rockstar second chance at love theme. Band Idol Rev’s frontman Jordan and tour manger Lex have a complicated history, but now they are having to work together on the bands comeback tour. Whilst Jordan is determined to win Lex back and change his behaviour to make their relationship work this time round, Lex is just as determined not to fall for her ex again. However their undeniable chemistry is still there and so are their old feelings and soon they both decide that their relationship is worth a second chance. Then someone from Jordan’s past starts playing hell with his life which leads him on a path of self destruction, threatening both his future with the band and his relationship with Lex. When Jordan’s past demons come back to haunt him Lex is worried that he’s going to break her heart for a second time. The angsty storyline along with the realistic characters kept me happily turning the pages. The chemistry between Lex and Jordan sizzled off the page and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life and made me feel immersed in the couples world.
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 Gordon2023-09-12 17:11:082023-09-14 09:25:21When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Jennifer Gordon
From right off, the cover builds suspense and intrigue- whom is the attractive woman in the red dress, and why is she standing on a parapet off a building?
First impression of the book was this was one I was going to stick with, because it was well written and fast-paced, and in a style that I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. For characterizations, I loved how the governor gives Investigator Cade Dawkins the hardest time, only in order to build his own importance and build confidence in his constituents for the next election. I felt for the citizens of Minnesota as Cade works to find the killer.
I enjoyed the soccer-loving authors’ reference to the game, although dislike his taste in the English Premier League and his key players, but thought he wrote about the passes/plays in soccer quite effectively. For whatever reason, I laughed over the line “The killer goosed the gas pedal,” I don’t know if that is regional slang or not!
I can’t wait to read book #2 of this series, and I would recommend this one to anyone that enjoys fast-pasted, thriller-style mysteries.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-09-12 17:09:212023-09-14 09:25:15Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Crain
This book is like watching Criminal Minds – if you like that series, you’ll enjoy this read. Out on the dark web, there is a challenge for serial killers to come and outsmart the detective that took down the Blonde Killer. I wasn’t sure I was going to get into the story at the start, but I kept reading and was glad I did – the ending took me by surprise! I didn’t read the first book in the series, but was able to get up to speed in this sequel pretty quickly.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2023-09-12 16:51:282023-09-14 09:25:02Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2023
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt. I enjoyed this book so much. Its a great kids book but even as a old lady, I enjoyed it. Amaleigha’s class has decided to be pen pal’s with kids from other countries. When Amaleigha picks a young boy from Ukraine they become fast friends. Vova is 9 years old and loves going to school and playing with his friends. No one had a clue that while they were pen pals that a war would break out in Ukraine and Vova would go from a happy go lucky child to a child scared to death for him and his family. Bombs are going off all around him and his dad has signed up with the Ukraine Services. No knowing what might happen to his dad scares Vova the most. This is such a great book for ages 4 to 8 but like I said I think all ages will enjoy it. Such a educational, emotional read.
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 Treadway2023-09-12 16:37:382023-09-14 09:24:53Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Tausha Treadway
This was a gripping first book in a new series and I was hooked throughout. Former marine sniper and current McIntire County deputy Nicolette Rivers is investigating a rash of unexplained suicides in the small town of Eider, Iowa. Nic suffers from PTSD and has her own deadly secrets, but things become dangerous for her when her investigations result in her becoming involved in a devious killer’s twisted plot. Eider police detective Con O’Hanlon is also assigned to uncover the truth behind the suicides, but Nic keeps refuses his help. However, when tragedy strikes Con is willing to help cover up the fallout, whilst ‘The Priest’ is keen on exposing Nic’s secret. This was a romantic suspense with plenty of drama and plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The small town setting came alive though the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. I felt engaged with the main characters, Nic and Con and found them both likeable and relatable. Nic’s PTSD was dealt with honestly and sensitively as part of the storyline. An entertaining and enjoyable read and I look forward to book two in the series.
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 Gordon2023-09-12 16:36:172023-09-14 09:24:34Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris. This is a great young adult romance. Its about Mina who is a odd girl that hates school because she is bullied and treated horribly. This small town has treated her nothing short of inhumane. She feels like she is all alone in the world until 5th grade and a weird boys shows up for his first day of. They become instant best friends. They do everything together and eventually fall in love. They have both been handed hard losses in life and they are surviving the best they know how. Now they found each other everything seems a little easier. When out of the blue Wes and his family move with no notice to Mina. She is lost again. Going on without Wes is hard but she manages and has a pretty successful ride. Her mom marries someone that has money and Mina inherits the benefits of that. She’s wearing cute clothes, got all the cool friends and even has a boyfriend when Wes shows up at her college after getting transferred. What will Mina do? Will she give up her new friends and life to go back to Wes? Such a heart wrenching young adult read.
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 Treadway2023-09-12 16:14:432023-09-14 09:24:26A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Tausha Treadway
A young girl Shirl and her Alien friend Eee-ahh go to school together and the lesson is about constellations. This is a fantastic read to engage young ones in science and learning with fun illustrations from a very creative author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-09-12 16:11:352023-09-14 09:24:06Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jules Herbert
Great artwork, I love how colorful the book is. This is a fun book to teach kids about stars and constellations, especially the with the back of the book listing different constellations and the shape they would appear in the sky. Very informational and fun to think aliens are out there.
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 Reed2023-09-12 15:53:392023-09-14 09:23:56Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed
This fantastic Christmas Novella has the feisty Emma handling lots as she always does when an invitation spikes her suspicions and you immediately know a new mystery is on the way. This amazing author continually draws me into her world so effortlessly with each and every book I read. The Creative storylines, wonderful characters and descriptive writing of this truly talented author can not be missed! Do yourself a huge favour and read all her fantastic books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-09-12 15:51:402023-09-14 09:23:49Notebook Mysteries – A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jules Herbert
I love this series and this little novella didn’t disappoint!
It’s Christmas time…a time of cheer, happiness, and overall well wishes for everyone. Parties are in full swing and Emma and Jeremy receive an invitation to a local party. Others in their company do as well. However, the invitation is not sitting right with Emma. Something just seems off about it.
As life goes on, there are some insiders scoping out the party location. Certain aspects of the location change over a few days and Emma receives word of it. She’s prepared for the party and whatever will happen therein.
These stories are just great little cozy mysteries with historical aspects thrown in. Some of the books in the series are full-length, while others are more novella style such as this one. There is always at least one adventure taking place, and usually more are starting in the background. Emma is a strong character to endure all the things that are thrown at her, often times last minute.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-09-12 15:42:352023-09-14 09:23:43Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson
This is yet another great book to add to a series of great books. It was lovely to reconnect with the characters that we have become so familiar with over time. As usual, it took no time at all to become invested in their story and what was going on. It always feels like you have never been away from these characters each time you pick up a new book. The story was well written and enjoyable from start to finish. It is rare a series has the longevity like this one and yet the author shows no signs of slowing down. Each book is as good as the others and this one is no exception. This is a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
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 Baker2023-09-12 14:59:222023-09-14 09:23:16Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Baker
This fast paced suspense book is just what you need. I loved the story line. Murders, cops, blondes! It was action packed with some romance thrown in too! I can’t read the second book!
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 Merritt2023-09-12 14:33:352023-09-12 14:51:58Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Tonya Merritt
Allan Evans did it again. Another great action packed story following Cade and others. There are some new characters but they blend in well with the original ones. Who is this new killer? Will Cade survive an attack?
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 Merritt2023-09-12 14:28:502023-09-14 09:23:08Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Tonya Merritt
This was a really great read. I was hooked into what I was reading quite early one. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I loved how engaging her writing style was. I really liked Blake and I did feel for her at the beginning of the story, for her husband to do what he did was awful but the sexual chemistry between her and Morgan was so hot! I was so, so hoping for them to end up together, in my opinion they were both what each other needed in their lives. I really liked all of the characters I the tory, well some more than others! The story had a really good pace and flow to it and I would highly recommend it to other readers. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-09-12 14:25:532023-09-14 09:22:59Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews
Atonement is Book One in The McIntire County Series. It is a romantic suspense novel full of action, mystery, intrigue, danger, and drama. The story centers around the character of Nicolette Rivers who is a deputy in a small town called Eider, Iowa. Nicolette, or Nic as she is called, is a former marine sniper who suffers from severe PTSD. Nic is estranged from her family and has a complex relationship with her father. She feels strongly that he never loved her, and she blames him for the death of her former lover. Due to the trauma of war and the estrangement from her family, Nic finds it hard to trust anyone, so she shuts everyone out and moves to a small town where nobody knows her.
When a series of apparent suicides begin to take place in her sleepy little town Nic sets out to solve them. The string starts with a man talking about atonement and repenting for his sins while holding his wife and kids’ hostage. When he cannot be talked down Nic is forced to shoot him. This causes flashbacks of her past and her PTSD rears its ugly head. After this incident, Nic is paired with Con, a police detective. Con has been interested in Nic for a while but because of her trust issues she pushes him away. Con, however, refuses to give up on Nic and is determined to break down the walls she has placed around herself. When other suicide cases pop up where the word atonement is mentioned Nic and Dusty begin to feel the cases are linked together. Were the victims somehow connected through a Priest that one of the victims mentioned prior to his death?
This book was brilliantly written and had me hooked from the first pages. The author did an amazing job of creating a riveting storyline with complex characters that you feel an instant connection to. She handled the complex subject of PTSD, and the effects it has on those suffering from it as well as how it affects the relationships they have with others. Nic was a smart, strong, kick-arse woman who was determined to fight her demons and come out stronger for having done so. Con was sweet, kind, and stubborn as he refused to give up on Nic. This book had heartache, heartbreak, loss, trauma, dark secrets, mystery, danger, intrigue, complex family dynamics, death, war, and a crazed serial killer. 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 Barnes2023-09-12 14:25:162023-09-14 09:21:47Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I LOVED this book so much! I have read lots form this author and I love how versatile she is but I have to say I think that this is definitely my favourite form her so far. I fell in love with the characters straight away. Katie was just an amazing character, I loved her so much, she was relatable, I connected with her – she was just a genuinely lovely person to read about and then add in Chase! Perfection the two of them! The way he stepped up and took in his nephew and the relationship that they had was wonderful. I loved every minute of this story and would highly recommend it to others! The narration for the story was wonderful, they both really brought the story to life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-09-12 13:59:132023-09-14 09:21:38This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Matthews
A Party to Remember is part of the Notebook Mysteries series. It is a historical crime novella that takes place in 1889 in Chicago and centers around the characters of Emma and her friends. Emma has a nose for solving mysteries and seems to find them everywhere she goes. When Emma and Jeremy are invited to attend a Christmas party, she cannot shake the feeling that something seems to be off about the party. As the day of the party draws nearer her suspicions increase especially when she learns of the list of guests that have been invited to the same party. The guest list seems odd and those invited do not seem to be those that Gregory and Geoff, the party hosts, would normally socialize with so why have they been invited? Emma begins to conduct a small investigation with the help of her friends, Jake and Ethyl, who go undercover as hired help for the party. As they report back to Emma about the going-ons at Gregory and Geoff’s home, her suspicions only increase, and she knows that something is wrong. Who will win the deadly game of cat-and-mouse that Gregory and Geoff have planned?
Another brilliantly written novella by this talented author. I love how she uses historical events that occurred between 1880-1890 in Chicago as inspiration for her stories. The storyline was intriguing, and the characters are engaging. I have grown to love this close-knit group of friends that have become family to one another. Emma is a smart, feisty, stubborn, young lady with a knack for solving mysteries. She can sense something is wrong and pick up subtle clues that many might otherwise overlook. Christmas is a busy enough time of year but for Emma this year she certainly has her hands full. An invitation to a Christmas party that has her suspicions raised. Helping her friends Savannah and Ethan plan their wedding. Added to that, Emma and Jeremy have just become guardians to young Henrietta who I found was a wonderful addition to the story. I look forward to reading future stories with Henrietta to see if she becomes involved in helping Emma solve mysteries. Such a brilliant-minded young lady will surely aid in solving future mysteries that Emma stumbles onto. 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 Barnes2023-09-12 13:30:332023-09-12 14:56:47Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This is a festive novella that is part of The Notebook Mystries series. It can be read as a standalone however I do recommend reading the series so you get a complete idea of the characters and how they are connected. This is a great historical mystery which yet again sees Emma and Jeremy trying to solve a crime and stop the bad guys. There is a lot happening in this story. From the marriage of Savannah and Ethan and Emma and Jeremy becoming guardians to little Henrietta everyone is distracted. When they all get invited to a party the day before Savannah and Ethans wedding everyone decides to go. However Emma can’t help but feel like something is off with this party. That it isn’t the fun evening they want and that something sinister is about to happy. Is Emma’s instincts and gut feeling right? Or is she just being paranoid and looking for danger where none exists. I have grown to love Emma’s characters through all of these books and I love that fact that it’s a historical story however Emma is respected and listened to when she speaks about her gut feelings. She is a strong and determined character who is like a dog with a bone when it comes to getting to the bottom of a mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-09-12 12:43:412023-09-12 14:56:34Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Carr
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