My 7 year old son read Messy Kids to me. It was a cute book and good for his age. He only got caught on a couple words. He liked the book, and we have read a lot of books by this author. We always enjoy them. It sparked a good conversation after, how it’s okay to make messes as long as you clean them up in the end. He liked the illustrations and how each alien is different.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-28 19:41:082023-06-29 07:26:33The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
My son and I read Holding Up the Sky together. It’s a good book for elementary school age (he is 7). We liked the rhyming, as it made the book flow and have a bit of Dr Seuss vibe. Like many of this author’s book, it has a good message to the kids- Do not be quick to judge. Colleen is teased for saying her dad holds up the sky. She figures out a way to prove it to everyone, and learns a little about herself at the same time. The pictures are colorful and fun.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-28 19:36:432023-06-29 07:26:26Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Ways to Improve Bailey was so much better than I expected. I got invested right away and didn’t want to put it down, completing in two days and missing some sleep! It is not your every day rom-com. Bailey is funny and sarcastic, and has a love/hate relationship with her brother, Dayton. Her best friend Marnie is quirky but fun. Bailey gets conned into hanging out with Tanner, a daily repeating customer at her job. She thinks he’s a bit odd, but they start to hit it off and soon become good friends. Things take a twist, and the ending is not quite what I enjoyed, but it was perfect. The story takes place in Flagstaff Arizona, which I loved even more. I too, live in Arizona, and it was fun to read about all the places I have been to, and some I have not yet. It made it a little more realistic and me a tad more invested. I look forward to reading more by this author, because they are always great cozy reads I can cuddle on the couch with and get lost for hours.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-21 21:06:042023-06-29 07:29:10Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Huff puff Grind was a cute take on the 3 Little Pigs story. I read it to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed it. My son said he doesn’t trust that wolf! He leaned a lot of new words- architect, mortar, saplings, lurking… In this story, the 3 pigs are educated and build sturdy houses, that all withstand the wolf’s huffs and puffs. But, unlike the original, these pigs are smart, problem solvers. They came up with a plan so everyone wins! I loved the illustrations, they are colorful and creative; I love that even the font changes to incorporate into the story.
I read Helpful Hudson to my 7 year old, and we both enjoyed it. Self care is a real thing, and it is often over looked. I think it is a wonderful message to teach early on. Hudson is so helpful and does so much for everyone else that is is exhausted at the end of the day. It wears him out and then he doesn’t feel like doing anything the next day. He learns he needs to take care of himself, in order to have the energy to take care of others. You can’t pour from an empty cup. The illustrations were cute and enjoyable.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-14 20:47:322023-06-19 11:19:10Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Lap Baby was an amazing story, one of my favorite reads of the year. I love that it was lightly based on a true story (I googled the Lap Baby laws mid book; and the blurb at the end explains the inspiration). I was hooked instantly, and it got better as the story progressed. The author got the idea for the book after watching a documentary about Lap Babies, those under age 2 that fly on their parents lap. The story surrounds a terrible accident, where there were Lap Babies on the flight, and it crashed. The protocol states the babies should be placed on the floor between their parent’s feet. The flight attendant, and one of the main characters, Julie, felt terrible giving these instructions. The parents were not happy with the decision either. The flight had just 4 survivors, and this book shows their lives 20 years later. That one day shaped the survivors life, and each handled it differently.. Paige was my favorite story, but I loved Marie and Julie as well. I love the way Terry stayed distant through the years, but was brought back in, in a twist that was lovely. I did not love the epilogue, found it a big cheesy, but sweet. I look forward to reading more by the author, because if they are half as good as Lap Baby, I’ll be happy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-11 20:08:592023-06-19 10:54:30Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Editor Kill Fee was a wonderful murder mystery. It had some intense topics such as drug smuggling, murder and kidnapping, but was pretty light hearted. It maintained the mystery until the very end, but not in a thriller type, more a cozy mystery. There are so many people in this story, with each chapter focusing on the POV of one. It was hard to keep everyone straight in the beginning but by the halfway point, I couldn’t put it down. It sounds like there are previous books, as there is references to other events surrounding both Jim and Taylor, but it was enjoyed as a stand-alone. [ETA- this is book 3 in the Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries series]. I look forward to reading more if it is a series. I enjoyed the references to the culture and history of New Mexico, you can tell the author did their research.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-07 21:44:582023-06-17 15:05:43Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
People Safari was an adorable book, for all ages. It is geared toward little kids, but I think older would enjoy as well. The characters are cute (I love that they used a deer family with names Doe, Buck and Fawn) and the pictures are colorful and fun. This story is told in the perspective of animals, visiting and describing the human world. There is a lot of cute descriptions, that I would never have thought of. For example, how they think kids getting on a school bus is a monster eating the littlest of humans. It reminded me of movies like Over the Hedge and Open Season- where it is focused on a reverse perspective. Makes you re-think and giggle about the silly things us humans do. My 7 year old was laughing a couple times, saying it was the ANIMALS who were silly for not understanding. He loved it, thanks for a fun book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-06-04 22:11:112023-06-06 17:55:47People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
The Promised Plan was a little hard for me to read, because the main character has cancer- and my grandmother died of cancer. It brought back some hard memories of those times, so perhaps trigger warning to those who have been through it. Its not graphic, just was reminiscent for me. The book focuses around a woman with cancer, and it has torn her (adult) daughters apart. She plans a trip of a lifetime, as a girls trip with 3 generations. Unfortunately she passes away before the trip takes place. Everyone wants to fulfill their promise to take the trip, in honor of their mother/grandmother. But, all are unsure if the trip will achieve the goal of bringing everyone back together, or if it will be miserable as everyone fights. All in all, I loved the story and am glad to have read it. Read for yourself to see how the trip goes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-31 20:26:182023-06-05 13:39:49The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Brutal Days is the 3rd book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. It is a bit of a shift from the previous books, as this begins the story of Damon and Skylar. It is way more heated and less dramatic than Cole and Riley books. There are some graphic scenes, and the characters are teens- so that’s a little weird. But overall I enjoyed the story. I guessed how it was going to end, expecting it the whole time- just didn’t know when. I can’t wait to see how Skylar fixes the cluster/mess she created. It was nice to see another side of Damon. He isn’t as tough as he appears and unexpectedly has his shell broken. I hate that these books are all cliff hangers though lol. Impatiently awaiting the next installment.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-31 20:19:592023-06-05 13:39:41Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
What do the Plants Say? Is part of the Alex, the Inventor series. This book is a fun, creative story with colorful pictures. I read it with my 7 year old son- he read the first half, then I read the second half. It is a good book for early readers. He said he enjoyed it, but over analyzed it a bit. He pointed out Alex didn’t have her recorder while flying, lol. I love the creativity of the sounds the flowers make. I like that the illustrator drew the flowers in different levels of bloom on each page. The author is full of endless creativity and I always enjoy sharing her book with my kiddos.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-25 22:26:052023-05-30 07:47:58What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Brave kids is a collection of short stories by different authors, some doctors-likely psychiatrists. They each focus on a difficult issue that children may face, sometimes from the perspective of an animal. They may show how a squirrel deals with bullying. Or how a horse may address being orphaned. Or how a child can o10vercome the fear of sleeping alone for the first time. I liked the collection, and think it could be a good book for a teacher or parent to have on hand. However, I think it would be better to have pictures and have the look if a true children’s book. It would hold the interest more of the little ones. I also think it should be divided into topics, as there were multiple stories that addressed the same topics. These stories are similar to fables, in that they are meant to teach us a lesson or help us navigate through a problem. Most seemed geared toward 5 to 10 year olds, but a few seemed a bit more mature content. I read a couple to my seven year old, but did not read him the whole collection.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-21 22:13:042023-05-30 07:19:00Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
A Monster for Meg was not what I expected, it was better. I loved the analogies used to help describe things to Meg. She is blind, and her sister is trying to help her understand why monsters are scary. My seven year old son enjoyed it, and liked the pictures. He said Meg’s sister was nice for answering all her questions, because his siblings would tell him to quit asking so many. The book would be great to help young children understand a little of what life would be like for someone who cannot see. It could also be used for a lesson on the senses.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-18 17:53:122023-05-25 13:05:55A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Cabin Eight was an interesting book, very suspense filled, but not scary. It has a similar feel to the author’s other book in the same series (The Millersville series), Shore Lodge. The book had me thinking alot- it seems too bizarre of a situation to be real… yet when you think about it, it could totally happen. Makes the reader think twice before we check the next box after (not) reading another long disclaimer filled with fine print. The author did a good job explaining the situations, and describing them. I was able to envision the scenes as they unfolded. Miranda found herself in several difficult situations as we went through this psychological thriller. At first I didn’t like her character at all, but she grew on me. I was happy with the ending and overall enjoyed the book. I think it was the best in this series so far! I look forward to more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-14 20:51:152023-05-24 07:50:17Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
What Loretta’s Katydid Did was a cute, yet educational book. I read it with my seven year old, and he was able to read most of it himself. I enjoy this author, and her choice of illustrators. The book is very colorful and fun. After we finished the book, we looked up the words we learned. We looked up what aphids and katydid are, and what they look like. We watched a video to listen to what they sounded like (we don’t agree the katydid/katydidnt sound the author used). We discussed how it sounded like a cricket but looks like a grasshopper, and which family they fit in. I like that the book is educational, but fun.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-10 22:35:042023-05-12 13:51:53What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Savage Truth is the 2nd book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. I am obsessed with this series, and am so glad to see there are 8 books planned. This book cannot/should not be read without reading the previous books. This book picks up where the previous book leftoff. It almost could be the same book, just the next chapter. There is no draw in or recap. This book had a lot of stuff going on and kept me on the edge of my seat, I didn’t want to put it down. Stupid work and kids, lol. Cole and Riley still have their love hate relationship going on. Riley finally gets the chance at a somewhat normal life, and is able to join the high school swim team. But, her joining is a risk, and we get a little more information on her and her mom’s background. We learn a little more about her dad, and Uncle Ronan. I love all the characters of this story, and am glad to see them all develop a little more. I look forward to the next book, and recommend this book highly!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-05-07 20:55:512023-05-12 13:22:23Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
I’ll Love You Tomorrow is the 3rd book in the Trading Heartbeats trilogy. It can prob be read as a stand alone, but it is better enjoyed as a series. There is a lot of overlapping info from previous stories, and the rocky marriage of Mitch and Lauren started in previous books. There is also the ground work for who is who and background and relationships. I really enjoyed this series so I was excited to read the final book on the Templeton kids. The story was kind of what I expected but not exactly how I expected it. There are a lot of ups and downs, but overall I really loved it. The characters are all wonderful. I enjoy the closeness Lauren has with her brothers, as well as their wives. I really felt for Lauren in this book. She is in a hard place, having to choose between her dream and her dream man, and is struggling. I look forward to more from the author, in other series, as I think this one is wrapped up.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-04-30 21:00:012023-05-03 13:20:12I’ll Love You Tomorrow (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 3) by Julie Navickas – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
A Spot of Earl Slay is the first book in the Tea Time Troubles series. I chose to read it simply off the name and cover art. I thought it was very cleaver and it sounded interesting. It is the first time I have read this author, and I am impressed. I was pulled in instantly, and kept engaged throughout. I love the characters and the quick connection they have with each other. Ella is hilarious, Naomi is brave and strong, and Barbara and Ingrid are super entertaining. They seem like they have a lot of history, and I liked hearing bits and pieces revealed. The ending was left a mystery, and I was no where near solving who the murderer was. That being said, I struggled with so many secondary characters. I am not sure I kept them all straight. Everyone seems to be related to someone else. In true small town way. It took me a while to mentally outline who everyone was to make the ending click. I look forward to the rest of the series. It was a quick cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-04-26 21:27:372023-04-28 13:29:38A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Other People’s Money was the first book I have read by this author. It is the 7th book in the Madeline Dawkins series, however can be enjoyed as a stand alone. There is references to the past, but with enough detail that I didn’t feel like I was missing important details. It was a pretty good mystery, that did not reveal all until the very end. The characters are well developed and the story was a steady pace. Madeline and Mike are married and private investigators. They are debating expansion, after a busy period, when they are landed with 3 cases at once. They have 2 missing women, and a possible gold digger after a friend’s widowed father. I liked how the cases wound together, but I didn’t like the ending. It was not what I expected, and I felt it wrapped up suddenly. Over all, it was a decent book that kept me engaged, and I would read more in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-04-14 15:08:552023-04-17 13:11:14Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
White Picket Fences was a wonderful book, that kept me engaged start to finish. I was hesitant to read it, but kept coming back to it. I finally decided to take the chance, and I am so glad I did. I immediately was drawn in, and related to Julie. While I have not gone through the same struggles as her, I think many of her feelings are common among many mothers. The author did a great job of developing the story, and the characters. They were all very relatable and felt real. Their feelings and actions were very realistic and well written. Julie has been a mom for half of her life, and is struggling to re-discover who SHE is as a person, not as a mom or wife. And I 100% get that, been there! I enjoyed seeing all sides of the situation, not just Julie herself. We got a taste of how her kids, husband, and friends felt and handled the situation. The author jumped back and forth in the timeline, slowly uncovering the events of one fateful day. The transition was smooth and clear. I never once felt like I was missing valuable information, as it was revealed in a timely manner. My one complaint is the ending. I felt like the story was not resolved, and I wanted it to continue further. I wanted to see what happens next- for Julie, Michael and the girls. Highly recommend this book and would love to read more by the author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-04-12 21:04:192023-04-17 13:05:28White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Savage Lies is the 2nd book in the Hidden Valley Elite series (It says book 1, but there is a prequel Savage Start, which is worth reading too). I was hooked on this series instantly. Aside from the awkwardness of reading steamy scenes between teenagers, this series is perfect. There is a good mix balance of romance and mystery. Both Riley and Cole are well developed and strong characters. Riley and her mom have a life of baggage and have lived on the run as con=artists for the last 15+ years. Now her mom says they are done and things are different. Riley is having a hard adjustment and is waiting for the other shoe to drop. She has a love hate relationship with her soon to be step brother, literally. The ending was total cliff hanger so on to the next book!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-04-02 21:05:222023-04-07 11:11:03Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
I have read several Notebook Mysteries books and this one was my favorite. They are all good, well written, thought out cases and good characters. Suspicions was a little more focused. There were 3 cases going on throughout the book but they were organized and tied in together. I love Emma and her bravery and wit, and sense of adventure. Her relationship with Jeremy has matured over the years, and I am happy to see her stick to her own personal morals and feelings. The ending was perfect, wrapped up all the cases and could be a good ending for the series. However, if the author chose to write more, I’d be happy as well. Seeing what Jeremy and Emma do on their next adventure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-03-26 21:26:472023-03-29 10:11:11Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
I read Chicken Little Investigates to my 7 year old. We both enjoyed the book. He laughed at the names and said they were silly. He guessed the king’s final answer. The pictures are colorful and unique style- almost like a sketch colored with water colors. I liked that the sounds had a different font, to stand out. It was a cute book overall. I always enjoy this author. When asked if he thought his friends would like the book, he said maybe and they would probably laugh and the characters names.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-03-26 21:21:172023-03-29 10:10:51Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Falling for You was such a cute book. I loved it more than Falling Home, the first book in the Buckeye Falls series, which is saying a lot. This series gives me a Gilmore Girls feel- the small town, where everyone knows everyone. I have CeCe envisioned like Sookie- the amazing chef that is a little quirky but everyone loves. Evan is a few years younger, and landed in Buckeye Falls a couple years ago, and has has a crush on CeCe ever sense. He finally makes his feelings known, and hopes the feelings are reciprocated. CeCe carries a bit of baggage from her previous relationship, which she has hidden well… That is until said ex, brings a cooking competition to Buckeye Falls. Things heat up in the kitchen, and outside… and I loved it. I hardly put this book down, I love all the characters, and Evan is wonderful. I am glad the previous characters from book 1 continued to make appearances throughout. Please let there be more to come!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-03-19 20:55:522023-03-20 10:02:49Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
The Thieves left me feeling similar to Shore Lodge, another book in the series. I can’t really describe it, a feeling of incompleteness…. They are stand alone and non-overlapping characters. This book, while exciting and entertaining, ended too abruptly. The wrap up was too quick and clean. The characters were wonderful, and there was a lot of unexpected reveals along the way. Some parts had me on the edge of my seat and other parts I was laughing. I’m glad how Dan turned out… I was worried for a while I would hate him. I don’t want to reveal too much but this book was worth the read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-03-19 20:47:332023-03-20 10:02:26The Thieves (The Millersville series) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Shameless Love is the 2nd book in the Bennetts of Langston Falls series. I did not read the first book, and still enjoyed this, however, I felt like I was missing quite a bit of backstory. The focus of the story is on Elyse and Walt, and their story is a stand alone. However, there is a lot of background family drama at the start and end of the book, that I felt lost regarding. I assume Teddy and Glen’s drama unfolded in book 1. This book did not go the direction I was expecting. The story starts out talking about Walt buying a house, in a questionable way, with some background drama. And then shifts to his sister Becky, and being approached by a cable network Cooking show. Walt offers to chaperone her, and up to this point, is portrayed as a southern country gentleman. However, things turn around at the New Years Eve party, and the book turns to a bit of smut. The focus for the bulk of the book is their building relationship, which was a good story. But, I feel like the beginning and the end, with Walt’s home, and Glen, is a whole other story, that didn’t seem to flow well. It was a little more steamy than I expected, but the author did warn us of that! Overall, not bad, and I would read the others in the story or by the author. I like the close family dynamic the author created.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-03-12 20:54:012023-03-13 09:11:47Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Ale’s Fair in Love and War was such a good book. It was a good romantic comedy, that had me laughing out loud. The story focuses on a back and forth pranking between Hollis and Cash. They both are small business owners, next door neighbors. Cash and his brothers operate a bar, and Hollis has a pet spa. They instantly have a rivalry that starts over something as silly as a trash can, and it escalates from here. Their banter is hilarious and their chemistry is off the charts. Hollis decides she needs to help Cash increase business, to make some money to settle some debts that have arisen. During this, they cannot deny their attraction forever, and they soon realize their prejudices about each other are far off base, and they have a lot in common. This book was great, and I look forward to the next one. Highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-03-05 21:39:452023-03-10 13:57:19Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
The cover art drew me in. I don’t think I even read the synopsis of the story, but really loved the cover art and spooky feel of it. Straight for the Kill is the 3rd book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. I have not read the other 2 books, but I kind of wish I did. I felt very confused and frustrated the first part of the book. There are a LOT of characters, and some being deputies, are often referred to by their last name, and others their first name, and some nick names. I felt like I had names swimming in my heard and hard a hard time connecting who was who and what was going on. It was prob 1/4 of the way through the book before it all clicked for me. The book is well written and high stakes mystery. There is a lot going on, and the mystery remains throughout. We know that some characters know more than they let on, but not all is revealed, and that kept me engaged because I wanted to know how everything unfolded. The “who done it” if you will…. I will likely read more by this author, as the story was well developed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-02-26 20:56:182023-03-02 14:09:58Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Shore Lodge was a good book that kept me engaged. It is a story focusing on Jacklyn Stone, a widow trying to re-center after the loss of her husband. Like all deaths, she is feeling off kilter, but also was left with some shocking news. Her adult children convince her to go to a “retreat” to get some time to herself and try to get back on track. However, things are not what they seem. It is not a resort, but rather a psych facility and she has been admitted without her knowledge. The story continues as we see what her children are doing now that Mom is locked up, and Jacklyn’s fight to break out of Shore Lodge. The book is pretty messed up, but not gruesome, more just makes you think… because stuff like this probably happens more than we realize. I felt bad for her being tricked, and was rooting for her the whole time. I felt a little let down with the ending, and I am not entirely sure why. It wrapped up nicely, I just expected something bigger, I guess? The characters are good, and i like that we get to see into the personal life and thoughts of all of the Stone family, to give us a better picture of how things got to that point. I do plan to read the next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-02-26 20:40:312023-03-02 14:09:06Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
I know nothing about farming, milking, or cheese production. That being the framework for Grace Uncer Fire had me questioning if I would enjoy it. But I took the chance and glad I did. The book was a little slow moving, but it did have a lot of drama that kept the story going. I was a little frustrated by how long it took Grace and Ryan to own their feelings for each other and Danny and the past. I think they didn’t quite realize their own feelings until far too long into the story. And I felt the info surrounding Danny was developed and revealed too slowly. We find out he died. Then much later we learn how. Then much later we learn the circumstances of why. Then nearly at the end, the full feelings and actions that day. So overall I feel like the author drug their feet a little and made the story much longer than needed… but overall I liked it. The characters and the past drama, the closeness of the families, etc were all likeable. I am happy that there is a pre story for Ella- I felt like there was a lot of details from the past hinted. So I look forward to reading Taylor’s law.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-02-19 20:05:372023-02-20 11:29:33Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
