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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Amanda Gray

Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Amanda Gray

What I like about this book, is that even the it is the second it a series, it could also stand alone if you had not read the first book. When I choose this as my next read, I did not realize it was the next book in the series to the book I just read, I was pleasantly surprised. I was not ready to let go of the fascinating tale and characters just yet. Barnett does a superb job at building this tale and the multiple times within it. I have always been a fan of historical fiction, not so much of fantasy, in the fantasy world built here, I was sucked into the story, the characters, the history, that I did not give a second thought to fantasy novels not being my jam. It was a highly enjoyable read and I look forward to what is next from Barbara Burnett. Grab both books, you will not regret it!

Alchemy of Glass, The Apothecary Series, Barbara Barnett, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Historical, Fantasy, Amanda Gray, August 2024

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The End Of Try Try Again by Kristen Carter, MS – Review by Amanda Gray

The End of Try Try Again: Overcome Your Weight Loss and Exercise Struggles for GoodThe End of Try Try Again: Overcome Your Weight Loss and Exercise Struggles for Good by Kristen Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The End Of Try Try Again by Kristen Carter, MS – Review by Amanda Gray
This is an easy to read, straightforward book that takes a look at how to set new healthy habits. It takes a practical approach to change, make small obtainable changes and build on that success. This book does a good job of laying out the why, to help stay motivated while making lifestyle changes. It also helps to feel like you are not alone in wanting and struggling to make these changes, that it is a very human experience. It provides a simple and easy outline to follow as you work to make new habits for a healthier living.

The End Of Try Try Again, Kristen Carter MS, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Self Help, Non Fiction, Amanda Gray, July 2024

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Amanda Gray

Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Amanda Gray

This book could use a trigger warning. It is quite disturbing and graphic, which some horror fans love. It’s well written, twisting mystery that is very detailed. The author creates an intricate macabre world full of twists and turns. The story is very scary, it’s the thing that nightmares are made of, especially as it deals with dreamworlds. You will keep turning the pages to see what happens next.

Puzzleman, Christopher Alan Broadstone, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Horror, Thriller, Amanda Gray, June 2024

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The Silent Forest: A shocking psychological thriller with an unforgettable ending (The House on the Hill) by David Kummer 6/29, review by Amanda Gray

The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill, #2)The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Silent Forest: A shocking psychological thriller with an unforgettable ending (The House on the Hill) by David Kummer 6/29, review by Amanda Gray

The Silent Forest begins right where Misery house ends, using the same format of the previous book, each chapter from a different member of the Wood’s family point of view. Each member of the town is charged from the events in the previous and none of them for the better. This book takes you deeper into the depths of the malevolent house on the hill. It takes you on a journey to find if Allison is alive or dead in the house. This page turner answers the question at the very end and leaves you needing more answers as you eagerly await the next book in this series. The feeling it leaves you with, is that there may be no happy endings here.

The Silent Forest, The House on the Hill, David Kummer, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Suspense, Thriller, Amanda Gray, June 2024

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Misery House by David Kummer, review by Amanda Gray

The Misery House (The House on the Hill, #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Misery House by David Kummer, review by Amanda Gray
This novel starts right away with mystery and foreboding. Every member of the Woods’ family serves as a protagonist. The story is told through each family member, giving a more complete picture of the history in the small town and its mysterious events. The book gives Stephan King vibes, he loves to tell a creepy story from a small town. This town goes back generations, and rarely see’s newcomers. The townsfolk are not welcoming to anyone that hasn’t always been there. A large, empty house sits on a hill overlooking the town, there are many stories about the house and none of them good. As the book ends, it leaves you with unanswered questions and eager for the next one.

Misery House, The House on the Hill, David Kummer, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Suspense, Thriller, Amanda Gray, June 2024

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What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Amanda Gray

What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! So much more than I expected!! An engaging romance that also tackles social justice, not really something you expect from a ‘romance’ book. The characters are compelling and believable. It is impossible not to root for Barbara. This is the 3rd book in Stout’s bold journey series. This is my first read by this author, I will definitely be keeping her on my radar. Beware you may not be able to put this book down.

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Amanda Gray

Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series. While the protagonists stay the same, the story is delightfully different. The beautiful female friendship is at the core of the story, as Marnie and Louise find themselves embroiled in yet another strange death mystery. The authors do a great job reeling you in to a modern day story with commentary on current day issues. This story has the VA hospital as it’s back drop, it shines a light on our need to do better for Veterans trying to return to everyday life. A really good story that draws you in from start to finish.

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Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Amanda Gray

Break Bone Fever (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #1)Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect vacation read! It’s an action packed turner. Enduring female friendships that prove, when we work together we get sh*t done!! An all too real story with climate change and big business at odds with each other. Slight political commentary that should serve as a warning as we dive into election season.

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a girl, stuck (found family series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Amanda Gray

A girl, stuck (Found Family series), this book is such a fun ride! This book takes you on a roller coaster of events, that will have you cheering Harry, the protagonist on. She is smart, funny, sarcastic and stubborn to a fault, all characteristics that I can relate too. The characters around her are varied and interesting in their own right. Harry is a daughter of a lawman, who when tailing an up and coming mobster, sees him as more than what he does, this is just the beginning of a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. This fun and lively book is a must read.