Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A Story About Euthanasia was a wonderful and heartbreaking read. It’s perfect for helping to explain loss and death of a family pet to children, or even a simple way to help young adults process the grief. The story explains enough without being too detailed on a delicate matter, while also being straightforward and not sugar coating things, as does tend to happen when explaining something so painful to children.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00katherine mellonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngkatherine mellon2023-09-06 05:29:152023-09-14 09:06:11Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend, by Terri Sabol
This is a great book, second in a series, but I had no problem following along not having read the first. But, after reading this one, I’ll be going back to read the first! I don’t normally read contemporary romance; I love a bit of magic in my story. I enjoyed this one immensely and it has possibly opened me up to read more of them! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the authors writing! The story was very emotional, and I loved the journey the characters went through. Would definitely recommend this series, particularly this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Stanleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Stanley2023-02-18 14:23:042023-02-20 11:16:55Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Heather Stanley
This was my first book by Sarah Echavarre and the amount of emotions I have running through my body are overwhelming. Having recently lost my mom it touched on so many feelings. I found myself laughing, crying, and doing so much thinking. Oddly enough the way this book was written brought a certain level of comfort to me. It reminded me of key things that you don’t always think of when you are grieving a loss. The author did an incredible job of describing all of the parts of grief that you go through. It was very obvious that she has experienced this in her own life.
“ The dread seeps back in slowly, like a trickle of water. It’s like my brain is still so distraught that it doesn’t want to remember losing her. So every time I go to sleep, there’s that fuzzy moment between sleep and awake where I’m blissfully unaware that things have changed for the worse. And then when it does come back to me, when I remember that she’s gone, the grief hits like a kick to the chest. I lose her all over again.”
I felt this above quote every ounce of my body when I read it, it was like she was inside my soul and was feeling the things that I so often feel. When you lose somebody it’s so hard for your brain and your heart to connect and to realize what is true and what is not. I often find myself in this in between place questioning whether I’m in reality or a daze/dream. Then when it all comes rushing back that it actually happened and my mother is gone it’s like reliving the experience all over again which brings a tremendous amount of pain.
Towards the end of my mom‘s life I was the one taking care of her and when I read this portion of the story it brought back some funny memories because my mom and I often had these arguments about what she was eating. It reminded me of what our dynamic was also like during that time. “ I cross my arms, then shake my head in disbelief at how the parent-child dynamic has changed between us. Now I’m the one constantly bargaining to make sure Mom eats all her healthy food.”
Sometimes as we go through life we don’t always realize the effect our thoughts and mind have on everything. Sometimes we are so stunted by our own fear and anxiety that we forget to just let things flow. We want to try and control so much of our life and in doing so we miss out on many things. One of the things that hit hardest for me in the story was the following paragraph which I think the author did a great job of hitting the nail on the head.
“ “As upsetting as it is, we can’t control how long our loved ones are with us. Everyone wishes they could, but it’s just a harsh reality of life. What you can control is how you spend the time you have with them now. The longer you allow your emotions to be controlled by your fear—specifically your fear of losing your mom—the less you’re able to truly enjoy that time you have with her. If you’re always operating with this fear in the back of your mind, it’s going to make it hard for you to be fully present with her whenever you’re spending time together. It makes it harder to enjoy that time you’re spending with her because you’re always worrying about a million what-ifs. You’re always wondering how much time you have left with her instead of appreciating the time you have together now.”
I am often a person that over analyzes things when it comes to family or people I love even though I try desperately to go with the flow. I always want to know if there’s a secret meaning or if there’s something I should be understanding differently or questioning why things happen the way that they do. As part of the grieving process in this book and the things that Chloe goes through her therapist tells her these simple words and I found myself stopping and committing them to memory for the future.
“ Because some things in life don’t have a special meaning. Sometimes they just happen, both good and bad. And you should accept them for what they are instead of trying to search for a meaning that may not be there.”
“ There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that things in your life are going well and enjoying it for the time being. You don’t always have to brace yourself for what’s going to happen next. It’s okay to live in the moment and enjoy things as they happen.”
I found reading this book had an effect on me that I wasn’t looking for or expecting. Since it is a fiction novel and not based on a true story I didn’t think that it would have such a profound effect on me, but in many ways it helped push forward the healing I had already started and I found myself so ingrained and encompassed in this book that I thought somebody had crawled in my brain and was writing about my feelings. This author really helped me in so many ways. The final couple of paragraphs in this review are in depth of what I feel like in the parts that I should be grateful for even though both of my parents are now gone. It’s the part that as the days go on I will continue to remind myself of that while I’m sad and mourning, I should also be grateful and then I need to acknowledge the blessing I had in my life of being close with both of my parents.
“ ‘The pain is great because the love is great.’ I honestly can’t think of a better way to describe my feelings and emotions right now. This pain . . . is immeasurable. It’s the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But in a way, this pain is a privilege to feel. This pain means the love I have for my mom—and the love she had for me and my brother—was deep and all-encompassing and unconditional. It means that I have endless happy memories and moments to recall when I’m sad.”
“ “This pain means the time we shared together was meaningful and priceless. This pain is a reminder of our bond, both emotional and physical. It’s knowing that one hundred percent of her makes up half of me.”
“ “Yes, I’m in pain. I always will be. I know it will get easier to manage over time, but I’ll always have it. I’ll always battle it. It’ll always take my breath away when I remind myself that I don’t have a mom anymore, when I remember that the person I love most in the world—the person who loved me and my brother more than anyone else—is gone forever. This pain will always cut me to the core. That will never go away. And that’s okay. I don’t want it to.”
Thank you to the author for this beautiful work of art that brought me so much peace at a time when I really needed it. I hope that you will pick up this book and read it especially if you’ve ever lost someone you were close to like a parent. I think that just like myself you will find a beautiful enrapture of comfort in the words this author writes. I look forward to reading more from her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Colleen Noyeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngColleen Noyes2022-08-26 21:44:492022-08-26 21:44:49Three More Months by Sarah Echavarre – Review by Colleen Noyes
Building Storm is so much about rising from the ashes. It’s about losing everything, being broken, and finding out that when you think you can’t go on there’s a rainbow behind the clouds.
The story brings together two people who are both broken and similar but different in ways. Two people who for all intents and purposes should be running away from feelings. What starts out as just some good old-fashioned banging quickly turns into two people you are rooting for.
What Storm has already had to endure coupled with what else she ends up enduring throughout the story will break your heart, but also let you in to see just how much inner strength this woman has no matter what storms are engulfing her life.
Landon is a man clearly dealing with his own troubled past and storms. He somehow is able to use that to help Storm in ways she doesn’t realize. In the process I think he finds some of his own healing that maybe he didn’t realize he needed and deserved.
As with any good romantic suspense story, the secrets are bound to come out and you better hold on to your seat for the crying, the shock, and the pure holy heck moments,
Bringing other characters to the forefront like Saint and Byron make the story even more enticing. As always I love that this author brings all of the Hawke family in. While reading this series the only thing I would love to maybe see is a prequel that gives us much more background to Antonia and the origins of the Hawke family. Just as in book 3 this story has so much more storytelling than books one and two it’s exciting to see the incredible growth of this author from book one to this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. I highly recommend reading the series in order to get the most fulfillment out of your reading pleasure.
Before reading The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent I thought I was not going to like it because I love books with thrills and page-turners. Never thought this book was going to make me feel like I am on the edge of a cliff. SO many emotions and pain n in this story between Holly and Nathan. Amazing characters and so many details in their feeling for one another. But when lies and secrets start to flow onto the surface things start to get hard for the main characters they will do anything to keep it in. This book is amazing and the Author Amy Argent is amazing for my first time reading something that I can compare to myself. 5 out of 5 stars
This book was great and inspiring. I loved the support JP received from his wife, it was my favorite part. This book shows the struggle and courage that PTSD people go through. This book had me wondering what is going to happen next. I am glad about the ending. I love the intros in the chapters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Pritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Pritt2022-06-11 15:10:592022-06-11 15:10:59No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Jessica Pritt
What an ending to a great duet. The first absolutely MUST be read before reading this book. This novel deals with cancer and the struggle to live in spite of all the pain and medical procedures one must endure during treatment so some of the material may be sensitive to some readers. I love Will and Tori’s journey yet I thought it felt a bit unrealistic. Being a nurse myself I have seen these things go down in real life. I felt the author could have done a bit more research into Lymphoma and the treatment of it as well as the real patient experience prior to writing this duet. (Which is why I only gave this 4 stars) That said the story line is fast paced, emotional and leaves you truly caring about all the characters even the supporting characters. Definitely worth the read!
This was a great book with a very compelling story line. The final story in the series really captured my heart and my attention. This is a page turner and I was unable to put it down until I read every last word. While it belongs to a series (a pretty great series too) it can be read as a stand alone. Luke and Nikki are from different families with a lot of the same flaws. Their backgrounds make them cautious to let their hearts fall for each other. Luke has a four year old daughter, Brie and he needs a nanny for her. Nikki has had a major teenage crush on Luke forever as he is in her favorite band. She interviews for the nanny position and gets it. Their attraction is instant but can they let the past hurts go and allow love to heal them? Definitely worth the read!! Just grab some tissues as you will need them, this book is full of emotions.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2021-11-21 18:57:112021-11-21 18:57:11LUKE (DEFAULT DISTRACTION #4) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
Come Back tomorrow was a heart breaking, emotionally touching story. It did take me a little while to get into the story and get attached to the characters but when I did, wow. I also had to definitely be in the mood to cry when reading this. Otherwise, I would suggest preparing yourself to cry for sure! Definitely got ‘My Sisters Keeper’ vibes from what the character Will goes through and how Tori tries to help. Did enjoy this book for sure and would recommend to anyone who likes these emotional and sad books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Stanleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Stanley2021-10-26 14:32:432021-10-27 07:18:31Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 1) by Amy Argent – Review by Heather Stanley
In an instant, Author Bernadette Marie, has a new fan! Something Lost was a wonderfully sweet story that brought out so many different emotions in myself as I read through it. Dealing with grief is never easy and so many Authors attempt to bring out the pain their characters feel in a very real way. Ms. Marie has not only accomplished that, but made me care deeply about the characters as well. I had a real connection with Rachel and Craig. I found myself unable to put this book down and finished it in two days time. I cannot wait for the next novel by Bernadette Marie! As I said in the beginning she has a fan for life!! You won’t regret reading one of her extraordinarily impressive, emotional, beautifully written tales!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2021-09-19 11:27:572021-09-20 07:47:06Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
First and foremost, this is the 4th book in the series but, you do not have to read the others to enjoy it. This was my first read by Renee Regent and I enjoyed it! It will also not be my last, it has intrigued me into wanting to read the others in the series. There was also so many emotions that I went through along with the characters. The author does a great job of pulling you in and becoming invested in the characters. This is sometimes hard to do but Renee Regent does a good job with how they present them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Stanleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Stanley2021-08-21 23:14:592021-08-23 11:53:37So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent – Review by Heather Stanley
Another page turner by Nikki Lynn Barrett. Logan is suffering after the death of his sister. He blames Angel. After a night of too much drinking, Logan does something bad, but he doesn’t remember what. And Angel is not herself. Scott, her ex boyfriend, tries to help her figure out what is going on. Will the truth come out before it’s too late? Another emotional roller coaster and definitely a page turner.
A Divided Mind is young adult story about mental illness. This story was well written and had good main characters. The attention to detail was the best part because i felt like i was in the story and what a interesting story to be in. I liked that this book talks about mental illnesses because it is a very really issue in today’s world and there isn’t enough people talking about them. This story revolves around Branson who has started to hear voices inside his head. We follow him and his family as they take life day by day just trying to hold it together. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and more by this author in the future! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2020-08-01 15:36:182020-08-01 16:34:23A DIVIDED MIND (THE DIVIDED SERIES #1) BY M. BILLITER – REVIEW BY ANASTASIA DODSON
A Divided Mind (The Divided Series #1) by M. Billiter
My first read by the author as well as the first book in The Divided Series. This book had me in tears and I couldn’t put it down. This was a great read and a great page turner.
Tara, a mother of 4, finds out that one of her oldest is not doing good. She doesn’t understand what is going on and how to help him. She thinks she did something wrong. The quote I choose for Tara is: “Just more appointments for Branson. More doctors. More uncertainty. Less hope.”
Branson, son of Tara, has got something wrong. Voices. Things normal teens don’t get. He’s lived with it for so long he doesn’t understand what’s going on. Doctors. The quote I choose for Branson is: “One minute I was asleep at my girlfriend’s house, and the next thing I know I was on the side of the road with someone else’s car, a cop thinking I was drunk, and my girlfriend and this dude bailing me out. I swear I’m not lying. I don’t remember how I got into the car or nothing.”
This was an emotional read so grab a box of tissues. I do highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a page turner.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2020-07-29 15:39:152020-07-29 15:50:36A Divided Mind (The Divided Series #1) by M. Billiter – Review by Amanda Kimble
Neverland by Melissa Jane was a dark, psychological thriller, that had me hooked. This book had me so engrossed, I had it read in less then three hours.
Not my first read by this author, so I knew I was in for something dark, twist and feels ripping. And boy did I get that, and more. I will warn you this book will be triggering if you are sensitive to assault, sexual assault, abusive violence or language. This is not for the faint of heart, and I can tell you there is a very, VERY, bitter-sweet ending, that I still don’t know if I like.
I don’t even know where to start with this one. I don’t want to tell you anything because of the way it’s written, giving you anything on the MC’s, the plot, and the antagonist, no not antagonist, abuser, will ruin this heart destroying read. I will tell you that it’s written in past and present. That back and forth is done very well, and the author does a great job at matching the past and present. Clean transitions, and soil emotional writing, makes the scene swaps all the more chilling and raw.
Lucy, I can’t even think about her right now. I’m mad about her life, how she ended up in that hell, and how it was all for nothing.. I’m mad because Lucy was a strong character and even though broken and at her wits end, she fought, she fought so hard. So yes, I’m mad, but at the same time… I can get into it, because like I said, it’s bitter-sweet.
I wish you could see me shaking my head, because I’m still very emotionally raw about this book. And as much as I wanted to put it down at times, I couldn’t. Because even though it was dark, it showed the evil that is out in this world. As much as this is fiction, this whole scenario, is happening right now, and that’s makes this read all the more heart wrenching and painful.
This book is a must read, and I highly recommend you get your hands on it. Because even though I know Lucy isn’t real, her story needs to be read, it needs to make you mad, angry and hurt. This book will break your rose coloured glasses.
I’m going to leave it at that, and unlike my other reviews I can’t leave my normal ending, because there is nothing happy about this book.
If would excuse me, I need to pick my heart off the floor.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily-Ann Walshhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily-Ann Walsh2018-10-07 05:43:042018-10-08 05:43:44Neverland by Melissa Jane – Review by Emily Walsh
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