“Carrie’s Flight” by Lois Wickstrom is a heartwarming and magical children’s book that beautifully explores the bond between generations and the power of love. The story follows young Carrie, who discovers a set of antique wings belonging to her Grandma. Determined to reunite with her Grandma, who has moved across town, Carrie embarks on an enchanting adventure to make the wings fly and reach Grandma’s new house.
What truly shines in “Carrie’s Flight” is the emphasis on the power of love. Carrie’s determination to reach her Grandma and the bond they share is beautifully portrayed. The shared moments of watching starlings together create a magical atmosphere, further highlighting the importance of love and connection between family members.
The illustrations in the book are delightful, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. They effectively capture the emotions and the magic of Carrie’s journey, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Orenda is the second book in The Latitude Series and a continuation of the Antipodes Series. Orenda continues the story of Caitlin and Giovanni. Caitlin is sent to fulfill her roll as ambassador to Canda while Sera goes to Japan with Matto. She must overcome the challenge of being in a new place and position while being young and still learning.
There is so much growth in this book, maybe even more than the first one. What makes T.S. Simons narration powerful is her characters going through unfortunate events and growing through the trauma. She writes each character as imperfectly perfect people. They are trying to live in societies that are self-sustaining but with new problems that they must solve and face to continue surviving. I love the message I get out of this series that time is too short, live in the moment, and live a sustainable lifestyle. I highly recommend reading Orenda and the entire Antipodes Series! I can’t wait for Bifrost, the next book in The Latitude Series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2023-12-05 15:04:202023-12-13 12:31:00Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Callie Luna
This is an author that I enjoy reading and never hesitate to pick up their books. I enjoy how they use details to give the story a realistic feel. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading the first book as well as it is that great a series. It will also help you enjoy this author’s writing style. This is a well written story about Joey and the school she attends. What will happen when a fire turns out to be more than just a prank. People are going missing what is happening and what does one have to do with the other? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world. They are strong, connective characters that kept me engaged to the end. I enjoyed what they brought to the story which made it easy to read. They have great growth throughout which makes it hard to put down. I enjoyed reading this fast paced story. I highly recommend this book.
Dreamscape is the second exciting book in the JJ Morris series. I really enjoyed the first book and was so excited when I saw this book. This is a thrilling supernatural, paranormal suspense and mystery story for YAs, but older readers will enjoy too. JN’s cleverly woven narrative draws you in as we journey along every step of the way. The storyline is intense, and the characters are well written. There is lots of danger, suspense, action, mystery, paranormal occurrences. The story had you feeling so many different emotions, ups and downs, highs, and lows with so many twists and turns that keeps you guessing till the very end. Joey is back on campus and things are not what they seem. This could be something far more dangerous than she has faced before. What is stalking her in her dreams? What is real and what is not? Will she get the life she wants? You will have to read it to find out. This explosive and imaginative tale is full of twisted intentions, mysterious fires, guardians, violent dreams, and missing people making easy to get lost in the mayhem and madness. If you enjoy things with a little supernatural you will definitely enjoy this book. I cannot wait to see where things go next.
This is a cute story to read. It is well written and fun to read. It is a story about a young boy who starts to feel something funny inside him. When he realizes it is magic, he now has to decide to embrace it or find it a curse. This young boy is a great character. I enjoyed watching him try to sort out his emotions. He is a strong character that any older child would enjoy reading about. There is great plot growth which just added to this child’s story. I enjoyed reading it. This is a great fantasy story that I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2023-12-05 13:55:432023-12-13 12:03:22Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Carrie’s Flight is a sweet fun filled children’s story. It is filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. In true Lois fashion it is not just a story it is also teaches you something and, in this case, it is birds and flight. Children of all ages will love this tale of a young girl Carrie who finds antique wings. Just thinking about all the dreams, they could imagine when reading about flying. I mean who hasn’t dreamt of flying. This magical tale showcases the love between a grandmother and her granddaughter. I read this to my grandsons who are five and three and yes, they now want their own set of wings! A great book to gift to others and especially this time of year.
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Lela Vella is desperate to find her missing niece and her boyfriend who have runaway to Malta, before her father does. Meanwhile Hamish McGregor, a widowed Australian international child-protection lawyer has been asked by Giovanni Vella to search for his granddaughter. Hamish is shocked when Lela sees him as one of her father’s ‘henchmen’ and the enemy. He thought he was putting the needs of a child first, like always. However, reluctantly the pair work together to search for them, navigating many false leads along the way. As the couple work together an unexpected attraction develops, but Hamish is reluctant as his pregnant wife was murdered in a revenge attack by a client’s husband. Hamish had vowed to never put another woman at risk, but Lela wants to show him that living life is all about taking risks. I loved the characters, and the chemistry between Lela and Hamish really came across in the story. The settings were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I felt like I had travelled along with Lela from Sydney to Malta.
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 Gordon2023-12-05 13:40:172023-12-13 12:02:06Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom. This has become my favorite children’s author and I love all her books. This one is no different, it’s so good. Its the story of someone wanting fish for breakfast so they had to go fishing to try to catch some. Well there was no fish but while they were there a crazy storm came up. The water all got sucked up by the storm and it started raining. Once the rain began it was no ordinary rain, it was raining Fish and Frogs. All over the place. Then real rain came down and refilled the lake. I love these books because there is always a lesson involved and the pictures are always amazing. My nephews have loved every one of these books. They would make great presents. Its best for young elementary students!
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 Treadway2023-12-05 13:09:132023-12-13 12:01:58Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146931629-slay-it-with-a-diamond” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683213006l/146931629._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146931629-slay-it-with-a-diamond”>Slay It With a Diamond</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20750153.Rob_Bates”>Rob Bates</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6026659705″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> When I read this book I did not realise it was the third book in a series. It really reads very well as a stand alone.<br />Mimi is a bussing journalist and amaetur sleuth that sees herself as a detective, she does come across a little ditzy but quite lovable and she is definitely full of enthusiasm especially in this case with the ‘cursed black diamond’<br />The story itself keeps you entertained and the characters develop as the story unfolds. It is not my usual genre to read but I found it quite enthralling, and the need to know what happens keeps you reading. <br />Certainly an author I will be looking at reading more from. <br /> <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tracy Ghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTracy G2023-12-05 12:55:482023-12-13 12:00:01Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh
Luna is a husky that loves to play and have fun. She loves the snow. She is a husky with a lot of energy and enjoys her life. The only issue is that she is unable to howl like her siblings. No matter how hard she tries, she is unsuccessful. Not when the moon is high in the sky, nor when her brothers and sisters are singing in unison. And no one knows why. Will Luna find a way to howl?
How could I pass this up? The title and art caught my attention. I love the illustrations, in addition to the cute and vivid colors used.
I loved the friendship she developed with a cat. And I loved the message and the heartwarming story.
There are even more interactive activities to do after reading the book. I personally loved hide and seek and the word search.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Moriah Venablehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMoriah Venable2023-12-05 11:50:412023-12-13 11:58:38Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Moriah Venable
Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks. This is such a good fantasy, young adult read. Its the story of Elbert who lives on a farm in the early 20th century. Elbert thinks he’s just a normal teenager with a normal family until one day he begins to physically feel different. He gets a weird sensation on his chest and he begins to grow feathers. He begins to see the world differently and almost feels at one with nature. As Elbert goes thru his self discovery he struggles with self doubt and grief. While going thru this process he begins to really feel like himself and learns to be the real Elbert. There is magic, shape shifting, mythical themes and magical abilities. This is such a fun journey for young adults and even older adults!
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 Treadway2023-12-05 11:11:042023-12-13 11:58:18Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Tausha Treadway
Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram. This author has quickly become one of my favorites. This is my favorite genre and I loved this story. Its the story of Karina who has promised her grandmother, Gigi that she will run her cafe when she passes. So Karina picks up and moves back home to take over Gigi’s Cafe. When she moves into her Gigi’s home she finds all kinds of secrets about her Gigi. She finds a diary that says there is a substantial amount of money to be found so when she misplaces the diary the whole town is looking for it. While Karina searches the house she finds all kinds of mysterious things. She finds secrets about everyone in town along the way. While trying to find the diary she questions everyone about it. Will she find the diary before the wrong person does? Read this fun mystery to find out!
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 Treadway2023-12-05 10:54:192023-12-13 11:58:02Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tausha Treadway
I loved this book. Hamish and Lela are hunting for Sophie and Peter in Malta. While they are doing this, they fall in love themselves. The chemistry between these two is perfect. It felt like it started as a slow burn because Papa was in the middle, as he always is. I loved watching these two work out their relationship as they went along. It was a satisfying resolve to the problem for everyone. This is such a wonderful series. The story was well-done and well-developed. The characters were thought out and defined with very unique personalities. Another that I wholeheartedly recommend. I couldn’t put this one down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-12-05 10:50:482023-12-13 11:57:32Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shelly Kittell
This us one of my new favorite authors, and every new book she writes I’m first in line to read it! I enjoy reading her suspenseful novels, and every new story is so much more refreshing than the last. I read this book and my heart broke as Karina faced the death of her grandmother, and the task of taking over her restaurant. The suspenseful events start right away and in a search to find out where this prized journal is located, so many other secrets arise. I would be surprised if one of this authors books doesn’t end up in a movie, the writing is SO VIVID! Thank you again for another masterpiece!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Phillips2023-12-05 09:54:132023-12-13 11:32:52Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Ashley Phillips
What an interesting book. I was pulled in from the start by the intriguing descriptions. This is a fascinating book with the descriptions of characters and what’s going on the story. I found that there is a little of everything. There is some mystery/suspense, paranormal. Fantasy, and more. It was a wonderful story that kept me engaged until the end. I came in on the second book. I will have to go back and read the first book now. I definitely recommend this one.
The exercises in this journal were phenomenal. It’s honestly something I really needed. It’s my first time actually reading or doing exercises like this and I enjoyed the entire thing. It’s helped me and made me realize stuff I didn’t before. Just absolutely beautiful.
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 Sugar2023-12-05 08:58:342023-12-13 12:10:10Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Ashley Sugar
Regan is on her latest book tour, although they are not that bad it has become unbearable as the other author is a pain her side. Pavlo is a dark mysterious author who writes the opposite to her romantic stories with HEA, so when her agent decides to arrange a private book signing with the next First Lady she is annoyed and wants the world to swallow her up.
Pavlo was invited on the tour to promote his new book, so when he discovers that Regan is also included his mood takes a dive, this fiercely independent woman will be the death of him, but when there is a threat against her and her daughter, Pavlo pushes all that aside and his instinct to protect her is brought to the for front.
As they get to know each other better there is a chemistry between them that can’t be denied but can Pavlo push away the feelings to be able to protect her and her daughter properly.
This is the first book I have read by this author and loved every word written, although this book is part of a series, I thought this was a story which can be read separately. The chemistry between these two main characters was brilliant to read and added a extra layer to the story, with also the Enemies to Lovers progression had you engaged all through. Regan was a great female character full of fire and independence which frustrated Pavlo at times but in the end became the thing he loved the most about her.
I can’t wait to read more of this series and the others before.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-12-05 08:40:122023-12-13 12:09:53Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Angela Shirley
Callahan O’Reilly is the elite Athlete, the Football Star, and a god to all around him, apart from Jamaica Winslow. Callahan must try and concentrate when he is placed with Jamaica, a straight A student for a project but when he gets to know her, he sees more of the qualities he wants to go out with.
Jamaica was determined to not be attracted to the god which is Callahan O’Reilly but as she gets to know him and sees he is more than the sport he plays and the pressures that is put on him she becomes more attracted and wants to find out more behind the football.
I enjoyed this book greatly, although at times I was a little confused at the totally lack of understanding sometimes from Jamaica towards Callahan but the interactions in general were heart-warming and beautiful.
The story weaves into the world of college football and the stress that are placed on athletes to perform and the pressure Callahan has just adds to the drama within the story. Jamaica’s character was a little frustrating to me although this did not deflect from the story and the secondary characters added another layer in the story.
I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-12-05 08:15:082023-12-13 12:09:44Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Angela Shirley
Most kids think about flying at one point and this book feeds into that sweet fantasy. Who wouldn’t want to fly with the birds? The story of her grandmother’s wings and how they are passed down through the family is sweet and it is nice to see they have a special bond. I love the end has a history and facts about starlings to teach children.
4 Stars A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann
A Christmas Amish Courtship is the third book in the Amish Courtship Series and is a Clean Inspirational Romance that will definitely take you on a emotional journey. This is a sweet second chance romance with a Christmas setting that will pull at your heartstrings. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. There style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. Anne and Andy both have hurt souls and love is what they both are looking for. Anne loves to bake and Christmas time. So when she receives a mysterious letter in the mail from a secret admirer she must decide if its worth the risk. What will happen when the plan backfires? Can these two have the love together they both deserve? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-12-05 04:17:112023-12-13 12:06:39A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Bookbub – Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada
Discover the enchanting world of Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime – a rhyming children’s book that follows the heartwarming bond between two furry friends, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their devoted companions, CJ and Lora. On a sunny day, CJ’s thoughtful idea sets the stage for a joyful exploration of new ways to make Porter and Midge’s days even brighter.
Through rhythmic verses, follow their journey as they uncover imaginative games, canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports, all while strengthening their unbreakable connection.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_8746.png750750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-12-05 00:06:562023-12-29 20:19:07🐶 .•°*°•.🐶 PREORDER 🐶 .•°*°•.🐶 Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada
Dorothy Mason swore that she’d never marry again when her husband passed away five years ago. She just wasn’t interested in her heart being broken again. But living in her old house in Tennessee kept breaking it by reminding her daily of her times with her husband, and she was having a difficult time letting go. So, her sister convinces her to get a fresh start by traveling west on the wagon train to Oregon. But once she’s given up her life and everything dear to her and arrives in Missouri, Dorothy discovers that she can’t move forward unless she considers getting married again.
Reverend Elias Stone doesn’t quite believe in Manifest Destiny, but does believe in bringing lost souls to the Lord. With so many lost people moving out west in search of gold and riches, Elias feels a calling on his life to make a move in that direction, himself. So, he arranges to join a wagon train heading to Oregon and California. But before the journey even starts, he finds himself in a harrowing situation that could take his life, calling, and ability to travel away from him. Only by considering a marriage to a woman he doesn’t even know can he continue, but is this really God’s plan for him?
P. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author, Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them. P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos — she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_0104.jpeg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-12-05 00:05:142023-12-20 14:25:55A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden
Carrie finds a set of antique wings that used to belong to Grandma before she moved across town. Can Carrie figure out how to make them fly? All the way to Grandma’s new house? The wings are one of four mysterious boxes Grandma left in a closet marked: KEEP. Wandas, Fascinator, Dowse, and Feathers. These treasures help Carrie feel closer to Grandma. There’s magic in love. And in the starlings they watch together.
Lois is a former science teacher. She has written a series of science-based folktales, and turned some of them into plays. In each modernized tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending because of learning scientific principles. Lois likes to garden, ride her bike with her husband, cook, and she votes in every election.
BOOKBUB – Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats
Now a college student, Joey is finding college life comfortable. But studies prove to be more difficult than facing down a horde of black dogs. Struggling with her average life now that the supernatural world has been opened before her, Joey is constantly distracted. Pulled between wanting the standard life of a college student, and the allure of the paranormal. Unfortunately, Portstown has been quiet since the “Great Hunt” of last year, that is until a random fire on campus occurs, and people start going missing.
Disregarded as a student prank, Joey brushes the incident off until she catches Gwen looking into it. Why would one of the guardians from the mysterious Warner family be looking into a silly student prank?
More questions arise when fires start popping up all over campus, and Joey’s dreams turn violent under the control of the Dream Conductor with their twisted intentions. Gathering the group back together Joey must figure out what is happening to the missing people, who is starting the mysterious fires on campus, and what does the Dream Conductor want all while conquering finals. Will Joey pass this semester or will she fall into her deepest fantasies?
J.N. Sheats is an artist turned author. Living in Maryland with six wild cats, and her husband, J.N. spends her days designing book covers and teasers for other authors. At night she is at the mercy of her demanding characters, and their wild fantasies.
Dark Paranormal Fantasy is her preferred genre of writing, but anything is game. Maybe even a lovely romance novel or two in the near future.
When not writing, designing, or drawing, J.N. spends her time doing a host of other activities. Including: gardening, jewelry making, cooking, and watching far too much television.
Lela Vella has been a dutiful daughter and aunt for the past decade. But her plan to wean her father and orphaned niece off their dependence on her is scuttled when her niece and boyfriend flee Sydney for Malta. Lela suspects her autocratic father of provoking the flight. Lela’s desperate to reach the teenager before her father’s ultimatums blow another generation apart.
Widowed, Australian international child-protection lawyer, Hamish McGregor accepts Giovanni Vella’s request to remain in Malta after a conference to search for Vella’s missing granddaughter. Hamish’s formidable reputation is built on putting the needs of the child first. He doubled down on his work after the revenge murder of his pregnant wife by a client’s husband, vowing never to get close enough to another woman for her to be a target.
Lela doesn’t expect her father’s henchman to beat her to Malta. Hamish doesn’t expect the girl’s doting aunt to see him as an enemy.
Reluctant partners, they navigate false leads and unexpected attraction. Can Lela balance her family’s demands with her love for Hamish? Can Hamish accept living life is all about taking risks?
Australian Jennifer Raines writes contemporary romances set mainly, but not exclusively, in Australia – think Malta, Finland, New Zealand or ?. A dreamer and an optimist, her stories are a delicious cocktail of mutual respect, passion and loyalty because she still believes in happily-ever-afters.
Jennifer fell in love with romance as a teenager. Starting with historical romance. Everything in the school library and then a personal treasured collection of Georgette Heyer, hard copies and paperbacks. Historical romance remains comfort food, like vegemite toast, for those times when she feels low, but Georgette Heyer was an early star, under the blankets after lights out using a torch.
Jennifer is a member of Romance Writers of Australia. Three times a finalist in the Emerald competition, including in 2017, 2018 (Taylor’s Law) and 2022 (Quinn by Design – July 2024). She’s a member of Romance Writers of New Zealand, winning the Pacific Hearts competition twice, including in 2019 with Grace Under Fire, the sequel to Taylor’s Law. She’s also a member of Romance Writers of America and has been a finalist in chapter competitions in 2019, 2020 (Winner Orange Rose contemporary romance category – Planting Hope) and 2021 (Taylor’s Law). Jennifer values competitions for the constructive, honest, not always comfortable feedback they provide.
Jennifer loves those days when words flow and the joy of writing makes the hard slog worthwhile. She’s always made up stories about strangers in the street, in a café or strolling through an airport terminal; finding inspiration in snippets of conversations, news items and the sheer puzzle of human interactions.
Jennifer lives in inner-city Sydney, Australia, with the requisite number of partners (1) and animals (2). Her desk overlooks a park which nourishes her soul when she raises her head from her keyboard. She gets some of her best ideas during long yin yoga poses or walking – anywhere. While Jennifer adores historical romance, she chose to write contemporary because she thought (wrongly) it needed less research while she was holding down a full-time job.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_8748.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-12-05 00:02:002023-12-20 14:24:19Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
Goodreads – Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon
Bookbub – Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon
Vengeful ghosts at the Ballet School? Is Lauren to blame for their presence? Are Grace and Rodney at risk?
Lauren only wants to help a new ghost in town. But her act of kindness sets off a series of unexplained events at Amberwood. Her friendship with Grace is put to the test, and she is torn between loyalty to her ghostly bestie and her commitment to saving the school. Can Lauren find out who is behind the mischief and put a stop to it? With a prestigious show in the town’s old theatre and important exams just around the corner, the clock is ticking.
I spent my school life in a girls’ boarding-school specialising in classical ballet and on leaving I danced professionally, touring Europe, for 4 years. After that, I ran my own ballet school in Athens, Greece for several years and simultaneously volunteered as a veterinary nurse, as my love of animals is the driving force in my life. I returned to England with my horse and my cat, and now live on a smallholding in Shropshire with my husband, various farm animals and a constant stream of pets.
I started writing while in Greece and completed a Creative Writing Course with the Writers’ Bureau. The same year, I won an annual competition in the Writing Magazine for an adult Fairy Story.
On my return to England, I wrote two children’s books, but my new life, caring for Highland Cattle, sheep, hens, and pets, coupled with extensive global travel, meant that writing for publication took a back seat. I continued my love of writing with a daily journal and amusing travel blogs of each trip.
I am now writing full time and THE GRACEFUL GHOST was my first self-published book. It was shortlisted for the UK Selfies 2021 Award and draws on my own experiences in ballet-boarding-school and early teenage life. Book two, Ballet School Boys, introduces boys to the school and book three, Ballet School Rumours continues their adventures with the resident ghosts, Grace and Rodney.
I am also working on a six-book series called TALLY AND THE ANGEL. Tally and her angel’s first adventure takes them to India. In the second book they go to Canada, in North Yukon and the third in Japan. I intend them to have adventures in Greece, Egypt, Peru – anywhere I have been, really. Each book has an extra story woven into it because every chapter starts with a paragraph telling the back story of one of the mystical elements of the story. Book One tells the story of Jophiel, the Angel. Book Two tells the story of Auric, the Spirit of Gold.
I am truly passionate about writing and have all my books professionally edited and proofread before going to print.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_8721.jpeg1200793itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-12-05 00:01:562023-12-20 14:27:25Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon
If I could read books like this everyday, I’d be in reading heaven!! I absolutely loved this book! First of all, it’s a clean mystery read. I’d let my young daughter read this without any qualms. Second, it’s witty and fun to read about Ivy and her new position at work. There is a budding romance that’s very sweet to see develop. I was a little disturbed that Ivy referred to him as Mr. Humphrey, although he is her boss and this is a very new relationship.
Overall, a very enjoyable read! I’m going to be reading more by this author and in this series.
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 Johnson2023-12-04 18:55:462023-12-13 10:02:03Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Julie Johnson
The fish weren’t biting at Lake Fish-Or-Cut-Bait, but then the wind kicked up and a waterspout formed and began sucking all the water out of the lake, fish, frogs, and all. The wind then moved into town, picking up everything in its path. When the wind lost its energy, it began raining fish and frogs everywhere. This was a cute children’s book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2023-12-04 18:28:502023-12-13 10:01:30Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
Dylan wants to be a detective. When his detective kit arrives in the mail, he sets out for his first case. With his little sister assisting him, they set out to discover who stole the neighbor’s mail. A very cute children’s book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2023-12-04 17:57:402023-12-13 10:01:21Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. One day, a hot football player notices Jamaica and starts talking to her. She of course doesn’t give him the time of day until she is paired up with him on a project for the class. Of course Callahan Is the hot football player everyone knows and loves so he has his fan club following him everywhere interrupting their study sessions. Callahan doesn’t stop trying to flirt with Jamaica and I love their banter. They really are so sweet together when Jamaica finally lets her guard down and gives in to Callahan’s irresistible charm. Jamaica is on a scholarship so needs to keep her grades up. Somehow, information is leaked that she is getting special treatment which is helping her with her grades so her big project is under review by lots of people. What will happen with Jamaica’s scholarship? Always likes this authors writing and this book was no different. Definitely another 5 star read for me.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Mulveyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Mulvey2023-12-04 16:50:462023-12-13 10:01:14Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Michelle Mulvey
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