From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The way this story starts out reminds me of Lord of the Rings and Aladdin. The djin of the ring manipulates Bax and his wishes, leading down a trail of mystery. This story takes coming-of-age to a darker and twists it to a modern approach. I enjoyed this YA magical realism story and you will too!
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of 12 year old Michelle Naget, as the Germans march through France during WWII. The Naget family’s life is turned upside-down when they are forced to endure the Germans taking over their home and becoming servants to the enemy. I was hooked on this story from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down. The reader is shown what the family went through in the ravages of war without the explicit details, but lets us in to the emotional experience. The story is also brought to life knowing it is based off of the stories and French documents from Michelle Naget. It’s hard to imagine what it was like for the Naget family, but the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life for the reader. This is definitely a book you should read!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022
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Seven Strengths: A Tale from Turaset by P.L. Tavormina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely loved!!
This book was great! Very different, unique world, and loveable characters. I loved the storyline. The story flowed wonderfully. Definitely a page turner! The main character, Celeste, is courageous, strong willed, and intelligent. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a cute coming of age Christmas tale. A young boy asks his mom if Santa is real. Mom explains the “truth” behind Santa and the spirit of giving and joy that is what Santa really is.
He’s not an old man with a beard in a red suit. The truth about Santa Claus is that he’s not a person at all; he’s an idea. This great little story, with beautiful illustrations, is the perfect way to help parents explain the truth behind Santa Claus and make their kids “Dream Keepers” too.
Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bargaining (Hero High Book 3) by Mina Chara.
I can honestly say I have loved following this series from the start. We are following Fridays story. Friday is a very relatable and realistic character. She’s not perfect and she knows it and doesn’t try to be anything else which I love about her. Mina Chara has done another great job keeping the readers attention and is an amazing author. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series. Highly recommended.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Italian saga, and can be a standalone read, but I have loved following Leda as she’s grown up. I love the setting in landscapes of Italy, including Milan, Padua, and Garda Lake, but I also love the introduction of new and old characters and how Leda’s relationships with them are still so complicated, even as she starts her biotechnology major in college. I related to Leda so much in this book, being an undergrad university student myself. Leda is such a layered female character who’s learning about life and love as she goes along. There’s some gorgeous writing in this one. I enjoyed this more than previous books in this series.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is the first book in the Italian College series, part of Gaia B. Amman’s The Italian Saga. The saga follows Leda from childhood to adulthood, through relationships and friendships, studies and travels as she grows up.
In Finding Leda, we see Leda starting college to study Biotech. Determined to move on from a bad relationship, Leda welcomes a fresh start. Her social group at college is determined more by her carpool group and choice of seat on the first day than anything else, leading to an interesting mismatched group. She gets a blast from the past when she finds that Claudio, a boy she went to middle school with, is now two years ahead of her and, somehow, less evil than she remembered.
In this series, I particularly like the characters who are always there, in the background. Boyfriends come and go, but people like Starry, Leda’s mum, and Lexi, her best friend, are always ready to come back on the scene when Leda needs them. It’s interesting seeing their relationships develop.
Another thing I particularly like in this book is seeing Leda muddling her way through the sciences, as someone who had previously mostly studied literature. Having already read some of the later books, when Leda seems pretty confident as a scientist, seeing her struggling to get to grips with a whole host of ideas and processes is interesting (and not just because I learnt a lot about science on the way!)
For me, this is a four star book. I’m enjoying the series, and would recommend it to fans of coming-of-age stories that span a long duration (I feel like I bring up Adrian Mole every time I review one of Amman’s books but seriously, if you liked Adrian Mole and feel like Adrian could have been a bit more female and Italian, you’ll love this).
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman
4 Stars!!!!
This is the second book by this author I have read and I again was not able to put it down. This book moves on from high school and moves onto college. The author has a very unique way to bring the reader into the Leda’s world as it starts to evolve. I really liked how the author was able to make this story realistic.
Leda really is such a great character and this book is a very good example of youth and how we all have to really find ourselves. There is so much of a mix of emotions and dramas happening to Leda. This makes her so realistic and makes it so one can see themselves within the character. This really is a continuance of a coming of age story. We all have to find ourselves and throughout our lives we might have to reconnect and find ourselves again. This story is just a great read and I will definitely read more from this author and this series.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda is a fantastic young adult, coming-of-age story by Gaia B. Amman. Having read the 2 books which told of Leda Balni’s story in high school in 1990’s Italy, it was great to then catch up with Leda a few years later at college. To fully understand Leda and her past I’d suggest you read Forget Nico and Sex-O-S before reading this book.
Having had a hard time at high school, being a bit different from her friends in that she was serious about studying and enjoyed literature, and also suffering from an eating disorder, it was great to see Leda still full of fight and spirit.
I really enjoyed being taken on the journey that is the next few years of Leda’s life, this time at college. Having had poor experiences with men previously, Leda was not looking for love at college and yet she found it in a place she would never have thought. Her adversary from school who she referred to as Evil Centi is at the same university (only he is 2 years ahead) and when he offers to help her with Chemistry, let’s just say that chemistry of a different type starts to flow.
If you enjoy great story with a good deal of angst thrown in then I’m sure you would love to read Leda’s story. I for one look forward to seeing what Leda gets up to next.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is book 1 in the Italian College series by Gaia B Amman which is a young adult story. This follows Leda in her college years, and it will put you on an emotional rollercoaster. She does not have time for romance but then Sergio comes back around, what will happen between these two characters? I love these books since I started reading this series, I can’t wait to read more. They are entertaining and will hook you into the story from the first few pages . You cannot go wrong reading this book!
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga)
by Gaia B Amman
I absolutely loved reading this book. In this book Leda is in college and trying to find out what truly makes her happy. She is trying new things and is making sure she keeps up with her studies. Sergio has come back into the picture and Leda is trying to find balance so she doesn’t lose herself, what will happen if anything between these two? The things that her and her friends go through at this age is very relatable and I couldn’t help but be pulled into this story. The author’s writing is exceptional and keeps me wanting more. I have loved every book that I have read by this author and this one is no different. I had a very hard time putting this book down because I needed to know what was going to happen. I have enjoyed watching Leda grow up and all the people that have come and gone from her life. I can’t wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman. Let me start with you can read this as a stand-alone but I highly recommend previous books to get a much fuller picture. One of my favorite things about this set of books by this author is we’ve followed Leda through so many stages of life. Each one brings her to new challenges and I’ve enjoyed watch this character grow. The author does a wonderful job of writing a story that keeps you wanting more and coming back to make sure you don’t miss a bit. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I’m definitely looking forward to even more. Four stars and highly recommended.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda by Gaia B. Amman was a great story! This one has probably so far been my favorite story about Leda I’ve read so far! It had a great story line, great characters, and some great imagery and quotes! I immensely enjoyed reading this one. I feel like Leda is finally starting to find herself a little bit more in this novel. I highly recommend this novel! I would definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning though!
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman
5-Stars
Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman was an excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed following Leda as she moved into her years in college. It took ne back to my own college days! I loved seeing g her character blossom in this novel after so much happened with her in the last. I felt that she discovered more about herself than she realized was there in this book. I also found the description of college during that time fascinating. I remember my mom taking classes along a similar schedule but things are so different these days on college campuses. Leda truly is amazing and I absolutely love her character. This is easily a 5-star novel.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In the heart of Milan in 2000, Leda Balni is nineteen and hoping to graduate in genetic engineering. Having read Gaia B Amman’s previous series of her fictionalised account of her own childhood and having read about her school years I was pleased to catch up with Leda and I was not disappointed.
Leda is pondering her happiness along with her feelings as she enjoys her independence, her learning and her rock band. Does she really have time for falling in love and surely she’s to clever for her feelings to be for Sergio, as although he is handsome in a smouldering way he is also unreliable, brooding, and a pothead.
The author manages to capture the thoughts and feelings of a nineteen year old which make Leda so realistic and relatable as a character. She is able to touch on raw emotions and write with such honesty as well as give good life advice. The book is both a great read with an exciting storyline and an independent, feisty and clever heroine at its heart and is also an empowering read. I also felt completely immersed in the wonderful Italian setting due to the authors detailed descriptions, I felt I was in the heart of Milan along with Leda. I look forward to continuing Leda’s adventures with her in future books.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is listed as book 1 in the Italian College series by Gaia B Amman. However, it is a continuation of the Italian Saga and should be read in order. I am very invested in this series and want to know what happens. I am even more intrigued because it is based on a true story. This book was my favorite so far of the series, but I am so mad with the ending. Total Cliffhanger! Amman really knows how to keep readers hooked and coming back for more, because I am in search of the next book in the series. I love that this series addresses taboo but real topics youth have to deal with. It doesn’t matter if American or Italian, in this case. Its all the same. Love, heartache, finding your purpose, deciding your major, evolving friendships, loss, on and on.
This book continues following Leda, and she is now an “adult.” I feel she has really matured throughout the series and we have kind of watched her grow up at this point. She is on a quest of self discovery and aims to “Find Leda.” She is creating a list of rules to live by, which are pretty great for someone in college. She is struggling to not fall into her old habits, and wants to live for herself for once, not for some boy. But this particular boy is making that very very hard. Sergio is back in the picture- remember, the intense pothead of her Ange days. He is grown up and still has that same pull on her, and its taking a lot of energy to avoid him. They are both playing the game this time though.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is the first book in the Italian College series part of The Italian Saga by Gaia B Amman. This time Leda is in college and trying to find herself. She is smart, funny, and realistic. She is pulled in many directions. Does she follow her heart and Sergio or stay focused on her studies? This is a fantastic book, part of The Italian Saga series, which takes you from Leda’s childhood on. Leda is an amazing character because she is relatable and realistic. She deals with issues any female today comes across. She also is human and makes mistakes and has to figure out how to correct herself. I look forward to reading more of Leda’s adventures and see where her life continues to take her.
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author once again has shown what an extraordinary way with words she has. She continues to captivate me with the stories she creates and this one is no different. She creates brilliant characters and storylines every time, she brings you along on the journey and makes you feel as though you are there alongside the characters living out their story! I loved following Leda’s journey in this read maybe even more than her previous journey’s in the other books. I can’t wait to see where Leda’s journey goes next!
Reviewed By @tillytillzz
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman. I love this series and each book gets better than the next. This is the continuing story of Leda Balni who is in college studying Engineering and trying to navigate the world of boys, books and friends. Throw love in there and she’s got her hands full. Sergio has captured her heart and she doesn’t like it because she doesn’t have time for that nonsense. She wants to focus on Engineering, volleyball and a band. Sergio has taken over her brain and she doesn’t know what to do with it. Is love really necessary? I have loved getting to know Leda and her friends and all the fun they have. These books will make you laugh, cry and get angry. I recommend reading the first books to know what is going on but you can read this as a standalone. I can’t wait for the next book!
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman is a YA NA story and is full of the usual drama and angst, emotions and adjusting to life in college. As with the other books in this series it is a fiction of the author’s life set in Italy. Through all the highs and lows Leda is trying to find her place in the world and what she wants to do with the rest of her life. There are a lot of different things going on and a lot of different topics to deal with that others may have a few issues with but as usual Gaia doesn’t hold back and nothing is off the table.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Hero High Series. Denial and Anger need to be read first. Many more surprises in this book with plenty of action thrown in!! You follow Friday, a student at Hero High, and the school is also in a reality show with the other students. While dystopian, you definitely get real parts while reading, especially with Friday. And that surprised me. This has to be the best in the series so far!! Pick up the first one and read all about her quest for the truth!!!
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amman continues to be such a compelling author. I am really enjoying reading the Italian saga and following Leda. This book was another enjoyable adventure and I truly found each page to be compelling. Amman is very gifted and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 1st book in the Italian College series. I really enjoyed this series so far and after reading the books about Leda’s life through her teenage years and all the things she went through its nice that this series follows on.
Leda is now in college studying genetic engineering and trying to find out what makes her truelly happy. Is it her studying? Her band? Or does she need that special someone to make her truelly happy.
Her history tells her no. That she doesnt need a relationship and the added distraction of a man in her life. However there is one guy she cant shake from her mind. Could he be the one or is she setting herself up for heartbreak yet again.
Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and found this latest installment to exceed my expectations. I love Friday and reading her story. There is so much going on. This is a quick read that has an epic feel to it. Lots to love about this superhero fantasy. It doesn’t dumb things down. It gives you a tangible and relatable heroine to hold on to. I simply adore these books and can’t wait to read more.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and I am now a huge fan. This has turned into one of my favorite series of this year. I absolutely love a good young adult fantasy but this author exceeded my expectations. This is the third book from the Hero High series. You do have to read these books in order or you will be lost in knowing what’s going on. I was excited when I got this book I stopped everything and started to read it immediately. I was addicted to these characters I read this book all the way through.
Friday is now part of the gold team but everything else is falling apart. She still feels like she is being watched and her friendship with Jake is breaking. Friday is now popular and even the film crew is helping her out. She doesn’t want to let Captain Fantastic down either. Friday is getting closer to figuring out who the new Dr. Dangerous is but when she finds out will it crush her dreams? Will Friday fight for what she believes in or will she have to give in?
Review by @heatherbass
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Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Hero High series…and you should definitely read the first two prior to starting this one. This book is a continuation from the second book. Friday is trying to figure out who she is as a superhero…trying to be true to herself while making the producers happy. Her relationship with her best friend is struggling and she doesn’t know why everything around here seems so crazy.
This series is not one I would usually read, as it is not a genre I typically choose, but it has kept me entertained and wanting to find out what happens next. Like the other books, it is a fairly quick read that is full of action. It is worth picking up and reading…and I will definitely be interested in what Mina Chara comes up with next!
Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bargaining(Hero High #3)by Mina Chara
4 out of 5 stars
Bargaining is the third book in Hero high series written by Mina China and I still do not know what to make of these stories but I do keep reading. This is Friday Fitzsimmons story and is set in the near future world of Icon City, a place filled with powered one-percenters, She finally joined the gold team, the producers even like her now, but it feels like she has abandoned everything that makes a good hero, in order to be a good hero.
Everything is going wrong for her she still doesn’t know who to trust and people aren’t what they seem. Every move she makes to uncover the truth is defeated by forces she cannot even see. But she will not give up.
Will Friday find out the truth? Will she learn who she can trust? You will need to read this story to find out…..
I recommend this story/series. You have to read the books in order to follow the plot.
Tracy
@tracym
Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda
The Science of Happiness
Italian College Novel 1
The Italian Saga
By Gaia B Amman
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
A must read for the Young Adults!
This is a Young Adult story that takes you into Leda’s college years. Who she meets, what she is interested in and who she hangs out with. Her friends are from all walks of life. She enjoys college, and time with her friends. She touches on her favorite subjects, Band, Volleyball and Genetic Engineering. Followed by dating. She also is learning to live on her own and working her way through college. She has no time for ignorant people. But… Can she resist Sergio and his antics?
Gaia B Amman just keeps her story going. I love her characters and who they are. Leda is your typical college student, someone you can relate too. That is why this series is such a great book for young adults. They will find they are not alone in their struggles of growing into adulthood. This story will have you laughing one minute and angry for Leda the next. While this is in a series, it can be read as a standalone. You will not want to miss out on her adventures. Well done Gaia B Amman!
Review@Cinful
Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series has really taken off with this third installment of Bargaining, Hero High book #3. I have read the other books in the series up to this one and I would recommend that you do as well to understand and follow the progression of things with Friday and the supporting characters. In this one we find Friday in a new slew of complications. Her best friend, Jake, and their relationship is falling to pieces, while the rest of the world around her seems to also be falling more and more apart each day. She has made great strides on the show and the producers have placed her in the Gold team but she starts to wonder what it really takes to be a hero and if she is going about things in the right way. I love how things seem realistic even for a dystopian novel, things could be possible and that makes the allure of these reads that much more drawing. I look forward to seeing what we will get next in the latest and newest installment in the series. I will definitely be back to see what will take place.
Review by @lizaileen
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Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman is another wonderfully written novel. As with her other novels, this one flowed right from the last novel, but can be read on it’s own as well. I love how the author is able to pack such raw, beautiful, and real emotions into her characters. While reading this story I couldn’t help but think back to my own college days as I read of Leda’s college experience. There are so many ways I could relate to Leda, through her uncertainties, her willingness to find happiness, her drive to succeed in college, her unsure love life. It was such a beautiful story to read and I look forward to reading more books by this author and in this series.
