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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden
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Genre – Historical Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 260
Cover Designer – Tabitha Lahr Design

A Tourist Trap Full of Crazy Monkeys…and Murder!
Sure Sparky’s boss Bookie is a crook, but he’s no murderer! Eleven-year-old, plucky amateur super-sleuth Sparky stops at nothing to convince the police that Bookie was framed for the murder at Monkey Island, a ratty old tourist trap in downtown Los Angeles, 1932.
And on this, the worst day of her life, Sparky must also survive going back to school and the principal’s office. Sparky just can’t keep out of trouble, so her school volunteers her for a law-and-order internship with top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie. Will the station’s resident police bunny accidentally provide Sparky with an important clue?
Meanwhile, back at the Creepy House mansion, Sparky’s home, one-time silent movie star Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert, aka the goblin, are in a tizzy preparing for the audition that could bring back Tootsie’s career. But will Sparky’s detecting antics disrupt her guardian’s big break?
Sparky even considers grave digging to find clues to help Bookie. . . . But even if he’s freed from jail, with Prohibition on its way out, will Bookie need to figure out a new line of work?
Crime-solving is a lonely business, but thankfully, Sparky still has Tootsie’s stuffed pet leopards for company. It’s all that and a barrel of monkeys in Sparky’s next adventure.
“Monkey Island Murder is a captivating read that promises—and delivers—both chills and chuckles.” —Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels
“The Monkey Island Murder” is the third novel in the award-winning “Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery” series. This 1930s cozy noir historical mystery series with a sense of humor also includes “The Cannibal Caper” and #1 Amazon New Release, “The Cold Kid Case.”

~ AMAZON ~APPLE BOOKS~BARNES & NOBLE~KOBO~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden

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Rosalind Barden has long been fascinated by the history of Los Angeles’s lost noir neighborhood, Bunker Hill. Cold Kid Case, the first in her zany, 1930s Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series has been awarded multiple accolades, including the Firebird Book Award 1st Place for Cozy Mysteries and the Literary Titan Gold Medal Book Award. Over thirty of her short mystery and horror stories have been published, including her inspiration for the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series, “The Monkey’s Ghost,” part of the FAPA President’s Book Awards Silver Medalist anthology, History and Mystery, Oh My! She writes and continues to explore lost history in Los Angeles. Discover more at RosalindBarden.com.

Author Interview with Rosalind Barden

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Anastasia Dodson

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this YA read was a good one to spend my afternoon reading. It was about Scoob and her brother, RC. They set off on a road trip and unfortunately RC isn’t being completely honest with Scoob. I was interested in finding out what truths he was hiding and I also loved the musical aspect of Scoobs side of the story too. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I was going to and I will definitely recommend for someone looking for a YA read that is a coming of Age novel that is a bit if a tear jerker.
Happy Reading!

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff is a great historical children book

Twelve-year-old musical prodigy Scoob hopes to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Louis Armstrong and become a jazz legend in the summer of 1976. She must, however, leave the streets first. Scoob believes her luck is going to change when she gets a lucrative gig; she gets to perform in front of a well-known band leader who has his own TV show. However, RC, Scoob’s elder brother, takes his younger sister along on an unwanted road trip. Scoob and RC are broke and unable to buy food, so they “borrow” gas along the route until they become stuck in the tiny Idaho town of Rexburg. Residents of the picturesque rural village are divided over the safety of a recently constructed dam, which is the subject of intense discussion.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings us into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story. I liked the suspense and drama that follow these two along. This pulls on the ol’heart strings for a couple reasons. None that I will mention because of spoilers but believe me they are there. I really kept tuned into these two main character’s, which are kids. I felt sorry for them and was very suspicious of RC more than once. This is told from Scoob’s point of view and while she is a twelve year old she seems much older at times. In the end it shows the strength, endurance and love can help some prosper. I loved all the Dad sayings and thoughts that ran through Scoob’s head on repeat.

Overall this is a wonderful story that kept me turning pages so I could figure RC out. The ending is good and had me feeling complete with a little wonder. Thanks for letting me come along on your trip.

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Katie Turner

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greetings from Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione is a heart capturing story about war, the strength of family and still having the room to love deeply after witnessing so much devastation. I was absolutely captivated by this story from beginning to end! I loved Mariella, her family, Jack. The author put a lot of heart into telling this story and it shines through radiantly. Splendid writing and detail. The characters were all very realistic with personalities and interactions to match the setting.

Highly recommend to any lovers of historical fiction who enjoy a story that is so perfectly descriptive that you are experiencing and feeling everything with the characters- from their fears to sharing their beautiful heartfelt moments. Very well done! I’m very excited to start the next book.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Katie Turner

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American by Luigina Vecchione is a beautifully written sequel to Greetings from Asbury Park, where here the reader can experience Jack and Mariella settling into their new lives together in America. There is a lot of turmoil for Mariella leaving behind the life and everyone she knew to travel to an unfamiliar land where acceptance of immigrants is not so easily found. As things start to seemingly begin to calm, terrible news brings Mariella back to Rome and she wonders if she can really bring herself to leave again.

I really felt like this was a strong sequel to the first story. Sometimes with sequels, the storytelling is more rushed and loses its luster. However, the author really kept the momentum of this story rolling throughout. You could perhaps read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading both stories. This story was raw, emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one book, and I loved feeling everything along with the characters. I was not disappointed at all. I look forward to more stories by this author in the future!

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff-Review by Victoria McQuigg

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff is an emotional whirlwind of a story. You will be hooked from the very start. Trying to figure out what’s going on. This book will definitely make you cry. But the level of human kindness, perseverance, and community that you will experience is incredibly heartwarming. This book is exceptional. 5 out of 5 stars.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Heidi Schoolman

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mariella met Jack 9 years ago and they are embarking on moving from Rome to the United States. Rome is the only home she has known and her heart aches for the moment she leaves it all behind. Not just the place, but her friends and family too. Once in their new home in the States, she struggles to find where she belongs. But it does not take long before she starts making friends and finally feels at home. Now she must return, and she is not sure if she is strong enough to say goodbye to her previous home once again.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Kerry Carr

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really interesting read. I love historical stories and this authors attention to detail really brought this time and the Revolutionary war alive for me.
I love the lead character of Lilly. She is a young woman but she has had to deal with so much loss in her life. I love how determined she is and how she doesn’t let anything stop her from achieving the goals she sets out to achieve.
After losing her parents and her brother Lilly is determined to join the rebels and fight against the people who murdered her family.
The problem is she is a woman and at the time women weren’t seeing as beings who can fight. However Lilly is determined to prove them wrong, this is her journey as she overcomes obstacles, finds love, recovers from losses and fights to alongside men to win the war.
This is a very real story and is really eye-opening. The characters are written in a way that makes them feel real and you can actually imagine being there with them, fighting alongside them and facing all the odds and obscales against them.
This was one book that I couldn’t stop reading until the end.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Karole Petty

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book by this author is as wonderfully written as the first. This one picks up with Jack and Mariella starting out their life together. It’s a story of love, bravery, heartbreak, hope and courage. I would recommend this book to others that enjoy the time period and who likes a love story.

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Greetings from Ashbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Karole Petty

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story. I am drawn to this time period in history, this story was beautifully written. I was drawn in immediately which made for a quick read. The characters were well developed and likeable. I can not wait to start the next book and see where Luigina takes the characters and us next. Would recommend this book to others that enjoy this period in history.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Kristin Boutelle

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The beginning was a little slow to start. It does pick up the pace after a few chapters. The author does well with the time period especially with Lily and the Turner family. The characters complement each other really well even with the minor characters. I like how Lily makes opportunities for herself even though they don’t end too well sometimes. The book is very well written and is easy to read and comprehend what’s going on in the story.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Jenni Bishop

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 – 4 stars
War is ugly, war is raw, and war is deadly no matter who, where or when and Nicole spares no details. A Patriot’s Tale is Nicoles first novel and an award winning one at that. This historical fiction tale set in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War where a young woman, Lily is determined to fight she changes who she is to succeed at any cost.
Lily is headstrong and a patriot, but she is living with the trauma and grief of having lost her family and certainly suffers with mental health issues that comes with seeing the horrors of war. To her there is no question that the Red Coats be taken out and the Militia are the ones to join. She plays a deadly game one she intends to see the end of.
Other than a few pacing issues to start with but it soon picked up to the point I quite enjoyed this bloody tale.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Netania Lim

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story, which is a sequel about the two main characters after they get married and move to America and the new life they build there after the war. I didn’t feel like I needed to read the previous book but I possibly would have enjoyed this book more because I would have been invested in then already. I enjoyed the storyline but I wanted more from Mariella’s relationship with her mother-in-law. Overall, I would recommend this story.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Trista Martin

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! Summer of Mud is written for middle grade aged kids and I would recommend it for the higher end of that level. The main character is a talented musician with a chance of a lifetime to make her dreams come true. She ends up on a road trip with her older brother and lots of life experience.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summer of Mud was such a heartwarming book about the true kindness of people and a lesson of perseverance. Rebecca Bischoff has written a real tear-jerker novel with such a strong lesson that life may not always bring what we expect, but good things are yet to come if we persevere. As we meet our main characters, Scoob and RC, we see they are doing everything they can to make ends meet for their survival. They had their mother leave them years ago, and after their father passed the year prior, they became homeless, all they had was their musical instruments and each other. Musical talent does not have an age limit, as we see through the brilliant trumpet playing of Scoob, a 12-year-old prodigy who is determined to find a gig playing in a band to help support her and her older brother. Unfortunately, RC has other plans for the two of them, taking them far from home in California, to take a road trip to where he claims to have a big job playing in a music festival. To Scoob’s surprise, they end up in Rexburg, Idaho where they meet up with a girl in a restaurant, Cherish, who RC seems to have a crush on and doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave. Scoob and RC meet so many different types of people, from snobbish locals, and suspicious shop owners, as well as police officers looking to question them. They finally come across some nice, good Samaritans who are all about helping those in need with no questions asked on whether they were being honest about who they were or the situation that brought them to town.

This book is a great read that had me in tears by the last few chapters as I followed our characters through their ups and downs. There were times when I wasn’t sure if they would be able to make it through all of the situations that they were caught up in. There were moments when I was in shock by the outcomes that didn’t seem like they could ever survive, it just broke my heart. If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would, because it was such a beautiful story showing how strong community is, especially when times are tough.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Julie Johnson

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover of this book drew me to it, along with the title. Just look at the cover! It’s beautiful!

This is the story of Lily Thompson. She’s a very determined young lady who takes on the role of a man to fight for her freedom. Lily faces many trials and tribulations in her young life but she must persevere!

This book was written when the author was 12 years old. I find that very impressive, even considering this story has had a few rewrites. I will be looking for more by this author.

A fitting read for the Memorial Day weekend! I’m very thankful for those who gave all for my freedom!

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Kerry Baker

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an interesting tale set in US revolutionary war. The main character is the one who makes this story. Despite everything she goes through, she shows strength and has so much about her. For me, she is what pulled me into this story. I connected with her before the main storyline and wanted to see the kind of journey she would go on.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has certainly left me intrigued. Overall I think the story would have benefitted from extra development but I enjoyed what the author had created.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Historical
Page Count – 356
Cover Designer – Fantasy & Coffee Design

Goodreads – A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman

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South Carolina, 1778. Lily Thompson burns to overthrow the British. In a daring bid to flee her enemies and join the fledgling American fight, she becomes a ward and takes on the guise of a man. But just after joining a raid against the British army, the determined freedom fighter is captured and held for ransom for a hefty price.
Unable to hide in the shadows after she is released, Lily cannot sit by idly while those around her struggle to survive. Seeing the captain’s growing infatuation as a weakness, Lily joins a spy ring in a bid to help the local militia’s need to overthrow the vicious British captain.
But what will happen to Lily as she plays the dangerously unnerving game of intrigue?
If you like strongly independent women, meticulous historical detail, and stories set during the American Revolutionary War, then you will love A Patriot’s Tale.

~ AMAZON ~

 

Click here to view the Book Trailer for A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman

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Nicole Pierman rocks out to metal, is obsessed with coffee, and (obviously) loves to write. When she enjoys reading various genres and writes in multiple genres too.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Amelia Stansell

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so good. It is the second book of the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. This story is about Jack and Mariella coming to America. Once the settled in New Jersey, it showed the difficulties they went through being in a new country. Need to go and read the first book.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Megan Rea

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really great YA read. It’s about Scoob and her brother, RC, who isn’t being honest with her as they set out for Montana one morning right after Scoob lands the job of her dreams…playing trumpet for a local band. This book is a coming-of-age story that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride all while keeping you on the edge of your seat and up way past your bedtime. I really couldn’t put this down…Bischoff kept me wanting to know what was going to happen. This is fast-paced and will make you feel all of the emotions so make sure you have a box of tissues close by.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Kerry Baker

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the second in the series, although I did not realise this when I started reading. Thankfully, it can be read as a standalone as the author has done a great job of including enough information so you can understand what is going on. This book is a great story that portrays the highs and lows of family life and the sacrifices that must be made.
The story is well developed and I thought you could feel the emotions of the characters as they go on their journey. They had so much to contend with and I was fully invested in how things would turn out. Although I did not read the first book prior to reading this one, I will definitely be going back to see the start of their story.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Andrea Lopez Salazar

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Italian American by Luigina Vecchione

5 Stars

This book pulled at my heart strings, which hasn’t been done in a while. This is a sequel but can be read as a standalone. (I didn’t read the first one but want to now) This is the story of Mariella and Jack and her going to America to live her life with her husband, the book starts out with Elisa and Olivia their daughters visiting Mariella in her home and recording her story. Mariella tells how she left her family in Italy and how they came to America in a boat, how she met his family and lived. I was sad for her because of the homesickness, but also for how her mother-in-law treated her, how the ladies she was introduced to be her friends treated her and how lonely she was.<br /><br /> Mary started making her own friends and even stood up to the doctors when her daughter was sick. She also started sticking up for herself. I was very proud of her and the way she made her life. <br />Mary’s father became ill and she took the girls back to Italy to see him and stayed several weeks. Jack her husband was fearful they weren’t going to return because of what people were saying to him. More his mom who never seemed to like his wife and also his ex fiance who was trying to wedge her way back in. <br />I absolutely loved this book, although I did feel like towards the end it was a tad bit rushed but ended in a very nice way (won’t spoil it for ya lol)

Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I enjoyed the author’s writing style as well as their attention to details that make the story come to life. I also enjoyed how the author kept the story engaging throughout. There is alot going on in this story but the author did a great job of keeping you wanting to know more. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story. It is easy to read and entertaining as well. There is great growth of the plot as well as the characters throughout the story. This is a story about Scoob and how she and her older brother get stuck in a small town. But what happens with the town’s dam leaks and she is left to figure out what is really important to her. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She is a strong character that I had no trouble relating to. She adds so much to the story and is my favorite. I really enjoyed reading this story and it is one you don’t want to miss out on. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, now we get to see Mariella and Jack in the US. Jack came and took her from Rome. That couldn’t have been easy to leave her family. I did notice the icy MIL relationship. I’ve had a few of those and had no idea myself what the deal was. It was always so many reasons to choose from. It would have been nice to see that developed. Again, the story was really good. It was so well0written. Told us about her experiences. I liked how it started with her daughters trying to use techniques to help her memories as she was losing hers. It was such a beautiful story. Emotions were felt and I recommend this story.

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Greetings From Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of WW2 fiction lately and I feel that this one of the best story I’ve read. This story captures some of the real struggles that came from this war in Rome during the Nasi occupation. TThe struggles in the story felt so real. You could tell that the author had done her research on the history. The story brought so many emotions. It’s a love story that you watch go through so much. I truly can’t pick a favorite part. I couldn’t, it is all so good. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Mariella and Jack are a beautiful and strong couple. You should read this if you love historical romance.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book #2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Angela Hayes

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s Journey Continues… by Luigina Vecchione is a superb sequel to ‘Greeting from Ashbury Park, where we met Jack and Mariella and followed as their love story unfolded.
This book is set 9 years after Jack and Mariella’s fateful meeting- Mariella leaving her life and family in Italy to live in America with Jack. This presents its own set of challenges, and Mariella has much to adapt to. Things aren’t going to be easy- so will their love be strong enough to endure?
I really felt for Mariella, she is such a strong individual- but some of the challenges she/they faced were quite testing and really tugged at my heartstrings.
Another charming historical story woven with plenty of challenges, drama, adaptation, highs & lows, friendship, family, heartache, angst, tension, choices, heart, and soul.
Looking forward to more from Luigina Vecchione in the future.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Luigina Vecchione!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Greetings from Ashbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book #1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Angela Hayes

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Greetings from Ashbury Park by Luigina Vecchione is an historical story set during WWII- a story of survival, resilience, hope, responsibility, challenges, duty, love, and family. Packed full of emotion and drama- and wonderful characters- this story made for an engrossing read.
This is definitely a story that any historical fiction lover will want to read- especially in relation to WWII.
Looking forward to continuing Mariella and Jack’s story in ‘Italian American’.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Luigina Vecchione!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Christie Mitchum

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Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder on West Main is the second South Shore Mystery series book. While I enjoyed the first book, I enjoyed this one even more.

In this book, Kathleen’s brother, Colin, finds himself the prime suspect in his boss’s murder. His boss had threatened to fire him mere days before. Colin is certainly not perfect, but Kathleen knows he is no murderer. Daniel, the assistant coroner tasked to investigate, doesn’t believe Colin could do it either. He is determined to find the killer, but his feelings for Kathleen complicate matters, especially when she wants to investigate independently. As they try to solve the mystery, they discover that almost no one likes the victim, Brice. In fact, Brice may be the true villain in this book.

The author did a wonderful job of revealing even more about the characters, and each is still growing throughout the pages of this novel. In addition, the book is well-written. Her town descriptions made me feel like a part of the book myself. She kept me guessing. I had a suspect in mind, but I kept second-guessing myself.

Her secondary characters were some of the most developed I have seen before. I liked getting to know Daniel’s sister, Isabell, and Kathleen’s brother, Colin. I’m hoping these two are on the cusp of their own romance.

Foster created a perfect little historical mystery. She combined twists and turns, a little romance sprinkled in, and some historical facts (the beginning of fingerprinting and a new toy, a teddy bear), giving her readers a book that was hard to put down. I look forward to the next mystery these unforgettable characters have to solve.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in the 1950’s Italian American is a raw look at life for a woman from Rome as she sets abroad and into a new life with her American husband. It showcases their relationship, her relationship with her frost-bitten mother-in-law and those of others. Why they have such a tumultuous relationship I don’t know because the story doesn’t go into it which is a shame as it would give us as readers more understanding. Mariella understandably misses her family and longs to see them again.
Italian American has emotions running high in this beautiful tale, but it also shows the strength, resilience and spirit of a woman between two worlds. It will have your heart aching as you will celebrate and commiserate her struggles, her passions and her happiness in this rollercoaster of a story.
This book can be read as a standalone as I didn’t realise there was a first book, Greetings from Asbury Park until after I had finished. The author does a good job of pulling it altogether, so I didn’t feel as though I missed out. I will however go back and read it.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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