I knew this book was going to be emotional when I started reading it. From the moment you start reading you really get a sense for this character. Her story, her journey, is incredible and even though it isn’t something the reader has experienced it is easy to imagine the life being lived. The book creates a vivid picture of what the author has lived through and it really makes you respect her experience. I thought this book was really well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-05-05 15:34:522023-05-12 13:01:32Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Kerry Baker
This is the first historical romance I have read that is MFM. I think I enjoyed this book more because of it as it seem to add another edge to the story. This book is certainly all about the characters. I was never really just about Suzette. The guys had just a big a par to play with their individual relationship, which I thought was unique for this kind of story. I thought the overall storyline was really well developed. I engaged with it quickly and looked forward to seeing what was going to happen. This is a new author to me and I am glad this is the first book I have read. I am excited to discover more of her work.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-05-05 15:12:072023-05-12 13:01:24Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Kerry Baker
This is a very heartbreaking and deeply moving story of a young teenager and the struggles she went through not only dealing with normal teenage issues such as friendships, boyfriends, family and rules but also with a war that is raging that could end her life or the life of the people she loves in a split second. The author tells her story in a way that makes you feel like you are experiencing the things that she went through, like you’ve been transported back to that time. One thing I took away from the author was how amazing she was at keeping her spirits up and not letting things drag her down. Even though there were moments where you can sense her fear ( and understandably so) the fear doesn’t overwhelm her. This story is an eye opening read because you really get a sense of how being in the middle of a war affects not only the people fighting in it but all the innocent people caught in the crossfire. And how the trauma that you experience during that period never leaves you even when the war ends you still live with that trauma and fear everyday.
This is a very emotional read so definately have tissues ready but what also comes through is the author’s strength and determination to not allow the war and all the pain and loss to take over her life forever. It is a very inspiring story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-05-05 10:37:162023-05-12 13:08:20Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Kerry Carr
This book was an interesting historical take of early San Francisco. Suzette a French woman who has just come into San Francisco, has fallen for two men that have come into her life. Walter and Isaac have been friends for years. Suzette has decided that she can’t just choose between one or the other, she wants both of them. Suzette’s past has come back into her life and put her into danger once more. Will Isaac and Walter be able to help Suzette to get over her past or will her past be too much for them together?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2023-05-04 19:32:412023-05-12 12:53:30Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Crystal Jimmo
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting is the heart-wrenching memoir of Nadija’s life as a fourteen- year-old living in war torn Sarajevo in the 1990’s. Her quiet life was changed forever when she watched tanks roll into the airport across the street from her home. From that moment forward Nadija’s life became a struggle to survive with shells going off all around her and with no safe place to hide. She watched in shock and horror as friends, family, and neighbors were killed right in front of her when shells landed nearby. When a sniper killed her neighbor, her family was forced to flee their home and try to seek refuge in another part of the city. Nadija and her family slept on mattresses on the floor so that stray bullets did not kill them in their sleep. Food was scarce and had to be rationed so she went to bed hungry every night. Nadija lived without the basics of running water, electricity, and heat. She lived in fear everyday wondering if she would be the next casualty of the war that ravaged around them.
This memoir was a testament to the author’s strength and resilience as she struggled to through the atrocities and horrors of war. Despite what was going on around her, Nadija attempted to be a normal teenager by staying out too late and smoking too much. Young Nadija learned that the conflicts were not limited to the war raging outside as bickering, arguments, and disagreements ran rampant through their home and within their family. War brought out the worst in people living in cramped quarters as squabbles started over things like toothpaste and wanting bigger rations. Through these experience Nadija learns to stand up for herself and used humor as a bit of a coping mechanism.
This story was real, raw, and honest. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride of shock, horror, anger, and sadness at the destruction caused by war. It is heartbreaking to think of the senseless acts of violence against innocent people. How lives are taken, and homes destroyed without thought. How children must witness the violence and bloodshed. Thank you, Nadija, for sharing your experiences of living through war with us. Your strength, courage, and resilience are admirable.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-04 15:04:192023-05-12 13:00:14Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic. This is such a moving Memoir of a young girl living in Sarajevo during its 1990s war. Living as a teenager in this war torn Country causes her to grow up much differently than other teens. She is thrown into the Country’s political differences and how the war cause neighbors to go against neighbors. Her family eventually has to flee her home and find shelter across town. She shares how her family and herself went without food and clothing for a long time and the struggle of trying to find food. We in American take so much for granted never having to go thru turmoil like this. She also shares how she did normal teen things too like sneaking cigarettes and staying out to late. This is a very sad but moving story that I think we all should read to realize how good we have it here!
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 Treadway2023-05-04 11:57:212023-05-12 12:58:56Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Tausha Treadway
Fiddle and Fire is an absolute MUST READ for fans of historical romance! Make sure to read the reviews carefully, because it does contain a non-traditional take on a love story, but it is beautiful. It has such a dichotomy of male interests that are each unique and swoon-worthy! And in a rake of a brother and an old nemesis, and the lovebirds seem to be at odds with fate! Will they be able to fight for their love amidst the fires and drama of San Francisco?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alisa Boomerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlisa Boomer2023-05-03 15:36:582023-05-12 12:34:41Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Alisa Boomer
Fiddle and Fire by Ariella Talix was my first time reading a Historical Romance. The story is a MMF that takes place in 1850’s San Fransico. Our story begins when two best friends, Walter and Isaac meet the newcomer in town Suzette. Suzette and her brother Pascal moved to San Fransico from France. At first Suzette tries to push her attraction for Isaac away as she believes he is rough around the edges. She finds Walter a much more Gentlemanly suitor. However, Suzette could not have predicted that she would be the spark that would ignite a long Kindling romance between the two best friends. Together the three of them go on a sweet journey of finding love with just the right amount of spice. It all comes crashing down when someone from Suzette’s past slips in from the shadows to ruin it all. This cute and sexy romance is beautifully written. I devoured this book in one day. Highly Recommend. 5 Stars!!!!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Victoria McQuigghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVictoria McQuigg2023-05-03 13:08:252023-05-03 13:13:49Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix-Review by Victoria McQuigg
I honestly don’t know if I can put into words or how to explain this book. This book is written from a teenager’s point of view on what she went thou during the war. This book was filled with so much emotion from pain, fear, love, protection, horror, survival, and so much more that you could feel these coming from the pages of the book. The author is such a strong will woman and telling her story really makes you praise her for her strength to be able to tell her story of everything she has gone thou. This book made me really think about the mundane things in life that I never would have taken for granted while she was fighting to survive this war. This book had me turning pages in anticipation to know what was going to happen next and to see how they were going to get thou the whole situation.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2023-05-02 20:48:132023-05-03 14:10:37Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This book, the words as I read on each page, I couldn’t possibly image what Nadija went through, but hearing her story, I can say Nadija is brave. This story recounts what Nadija went through when war break out and reliving death, bombings, loss, grief and just gut punching moments. Nadija’s story needed to be told and she brought me into her world and what she went through.
This story is so well written and a must read memoir.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-05-02 20:24:592023-05-03 14:10:02Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Ariella Talix wrote an amazing historical romance that I was one hundred percent engrossed in from beginning to end. While this is the first book I’ve read by this author, it is very far from the last. Suzette moves from France to San Francisco and meets two men that happen to be best friends, Isaac and Walter. You’ll notice rather quickly that these two men are quite the opposite from each other. Once Suzette enters their lives, you can feel the chemistry building between not only her and each gentleman, but between the best friends themselves. The way the author paints each scene is just magnificent. I felt like a proverbial fly on the wall throughout the entire story! Fiddle and Fire has loads of spice of course, but it does have a strong historical romance backbone. Ariella absolutely does not rely on just steam to keep this story afloat. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a real chance because you won’t be disappointed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-02 17:09:562023-05-03 14:05:27Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Shannen Kern
This is a historical romance that takes place in San Francisco in 1855. It features two gentlemen who are fire fighters who travel to the city from Pittsburg. They are there to spend the money that they have mined. A Paris socialite has just arrived in San Francisco to start a new life. When their lives collide they find that both men are attracted to the socialite. What is a girl to do? As she decides there is romance and steam at every corner. In addition there is drama and suspense. I definitely recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-05-02 16:40:532023-05-03 13:58:03Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Christine Baranek
A historical romance with touches of contemporary ways. This tale is about how you find love in a variety of characters.
Suzette de Massey travels from France with her brother in order to escape a past that caused her so much pain and confusion, only to be reached by destiny in the forms of Isacc Stark and Walter James. These two partners serve as fire fighters in the developing city of San Francisco, one is an architect, Walter, while the first is a carpenter/ musician/ constructor/ teacher.
Upon her arrival to the city Suzette meets both of them, Isaac gives her the impression of an arrogant and quite handsome man in a misbehaved way, on the other hand Walter is the perfect gentleman and ideal material of a husband.
Her surprise will be once she actually gets to understand both of them and discover that love has all kinds of ways.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paloma Fierrohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaloma Fierro2023-05-02 11:15:102023-05-03 13:55:43Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Paloma Fierro 05/02/2023
This book was so steamy I needed to fan myself. I thought it would be at least a little cringey, but NOPE! The characters were lovely, I loved them together they complement each other nicely, balance each other out. The ending felt a little rushed but overall the book was paced well. Highly recommend to anyone who likes steamy romance
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Estradahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Estrada2023-05-02 10:01:002023-05-03 13:55:16Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Vanessa Estrada
5 Stars Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix
Fiddle and Fire is the second book in the Hearts of Gold Series. This is a MMF Historical Romance with just the right amount of hot and steamy. I’m a fan of Historical Romance and throw in some MMF and I’m a gonner. I loved everything about this book from the characters that are fully developed and real they bring the story to life. The story flowed so flawlessly that I devoured it in one afternoon. Suzette and her brother just moved to San Francisco and she met Isaac and Walter . These two gentlemen have been friends for a long time. Is there more to their relationship than friendship? These three definitely have chemistry. Who will she choose? Can she have both? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . I look forward to seeing what this author brings us next.
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 Daughenbaugh2023-05-02 05:27:492023-05-03 14:00:35Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Fiddle and Fire is the second book in the Hearts of Gold Series by Ariella Talix. This is an historical romance, menage/why choose, MMF story, set in the early days of San Francisco. Sprinkled with a little danger, drama, mystery, suspense, chemistry and sizzle- the synopsis promised all the ingredients that I normally love to find in a story- but unfortunately I failed to connect with the characters or their story, which in turn made it difficult to immerse myself in the story the way I had hoped. Suzette, Walter, and James just didn’t grab me- and I had to keep my mind from wandering and force myself to stay in the story. Which was frustrating. I felt that some things were a bit of an info dump, while others lacked the detail I would have liked. The chemistry/sizzle/sexiness didn’t live up to expectation either- but perhaps that’s just me. I will probably go back and reread this book in a month or so, and give it another chance to pull me in, as maybe this time round I was just having an off reading day. So, stay tuned. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-05-02 00:05:052023-05-03 13:48:23Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book #2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Angela Hayes
An enjoyable and engaging steamy historical romance, with a MMF relationship which kept me happily turning the pages. Set in early San Francisco, where women are scarce, but attitudes are accepting of just about anything, so when both Isaac Stark and Walter James are drawn to the same women, no one raises an eyebrow! French beauty Suzette de Massey blows into the city like wildfire, and is instantly attracted to both Isaac and Walter, and is torn between them despite them being opposites. However, Isaac and Walter have been friends for years and owe their lives to one another and so have a deep affection for one another. Suzette seems to kindle the fire that has been smouldering between them for years. Suzette is excited by the threesome, but she has secrets and a dark past which is catching up with her, putting all three of them in danger. The storyline kept me hooked and the added historical details made me feel immersed in the time period. The main characters are likeable and relatable, and I felt engaged with them throughout the story. The chemistry between Suzette, Isaac and Walter literally sizzles off the page and leads to some extremely passionate and steamy scenes. I loved how the relationship between the three of them develops throughout the book. An entertaining read.
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 Gordon2023-05-01 17:05:412023-05-03 13:54:02Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix. This is a great historical MMF romance. Its the second book in the series and I always say books are better if read in order. A beautiful socialite from Paris, Suzette, travels to California to change up her life and meet new and interesting people. When Isaac and Walter meet the French beauty they are both intrigued to the point of having to get to know her. Suzette has decided having two men in love with her is so fun she never wants to leave but when her someone from her past comes looking for her things become intense. This person is very unhealthy for Suzette and will destroy all chances of happiness for her if he has his way. Will Suzette be able to say in California where her life has finally become bearable or will she go back to the old life of sadness and emptiness in Paris. Such a fun MMF romance with just enough spice!
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 Treadway2023-05-01 12:10:572023-05-03 13:42:55Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Tausha Treadway
I have really enjoyed reading Fiddle and Fire. I have recently found that I really enjoy Historical romance stories and this is one of those. Fiddle and fire is an amazing MMF book. The characters and world building was really good. This book was a page turner for me, as I wanted to know what happened next. I highly recommend this book, if this is your type of genre!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-05-01 10:24:522023-05-03 13:42:40Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Melissa Fink
Steamy and intriguing fire and fiddle is anything but boring. What seems only lust turns into love fueled passion but is it enough ?!
A gorgeous Paris socialite leaves to start a new life in California meeting extraordinary people. Surrounded by new friends and passion her life takes an unexpected turn when her husband comes looking. Her husband ?! A possible runaway bride ? Secrets untold, skeletons come forward;
Unwilling to leave her new life and loves behind they formulate a plan. But her husband waits at every turn like a mad man watching for her mis step. Escaping his clutches seems like an impossible tasks.
But in the name of love it proves to be all worth while. Isn’t it always?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maikalanihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaikalani2023-05-01 10:00:302023-05-03 13:42:19Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Maikalani Alexander p
Oh my goodness! A MMF in a historical western. This was a fun and entertaining story. Walter and Isaac became fast friends on their travels out west. Once they settled and started their business, along comes Suzette and her past. Cue the adventure, drama and romance. The plot had a few glitchy parts. I did enjoy the characters and how they were written. Overall, a quick read that might kill some time while you’re home in the evening.
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 Kittell2023-05-01 08:10:172023-05-03 13:39:59Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Shelly Kittell
3 stars Fiddle and Fire is a historical MMF romance tale. Never having read anything by this author before I was interested to see what she brought to the table. Only to realise that this is the second book in the series. I wished I read the first book first. I will be going back to read it. I love a good ménage but alas it was a little lacking in that department. I felt a little detached from the story and skipped my way through a lot of it. The narrative kept on changing which slowed me down as I had to reread some of it to realise who was speaking. The historical information is interesting and there is some humour to be found. Suzette de Massey has caught the eye of two best friends. Together they make a happy threesome. Unfortunately her past comes back to haunt her but everyone she cares for is in danger. All in all it is not a bad read and if you like historical romance with MMF characters as the lead then give this one a go.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-05-01 05:42:332023-05-03 13:32:32Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Jenni Bishop
This book will touch your heart and your soul. Your story, so devastating, heartbreaking, and yet so uplifting. The human spirit can endure immense tragedy, and still exist, and still thrive. The story that she tells is one that no child should live. But with all devastation there are still parts that you see the joy. Nadija takes you to a time in her life I was unthinkable. She tells her story in a passionate way, and it leaves you on unable to do anything but listen. She shares a piece of her self with you, and it makes you wanna hug her as the child she was, and then hug and applaud the woman she became.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2023-05-01 03:56:482023-05-03 13:28:36Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Lauren West
In early San Francisco, women are scarce, and attitudes are accepting of just about anything. Amidst this laissez-faire lifestyle, Suzette de Massey blows into the city like wildfire. Isaac Stark and Walter James are instantly drawn to the talented French beauty. Opposite in many ways, the two of them have been the best of friends for years. They owe their lives to one another, and their mutual affection runs deep. Suzette is torn between Walter, whom she thinks is a gentleman, and Isaac, whom she takes to be a roughneck. She has a lot to learn, but she knows what excites her. Men. Together. Suzette kindles the fire that has smoldered between Isaac and Walter for years, and each of them together makes a combustible, passionate threesome. She is a woman with secrets. Unfortunately, when Suzette’s dark past reappears to haunt her, no one is safe. This romance, intended for mature readers, sizzles with passion and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ariella Talix is the nom de plume of a bestselling author who lives in America’s Heartland.
Her goal is to preserve the dignity of family members who would rather not be associated publicly with a woman who writes such scandalous and stimulating novels. She’s not going to stop writing them, though.
She loves her family, pets, great books, not-so-great books that still entertain, and art.
Born and raised near the beaches of southern California, Ariella Talix traveled the world extensively and then found her true home in the Midwest. She has a second-degree black belt in Karate and has been a professional artist for many years. Her work is displayed in countries all over the world.
A sudden brainstorm prompted the first of her novels, Make Believe, and since then the ideas just keep tumbling out like an avalanche.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fiddle-and-Fire-for-promo.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-05-01 00:01:032023-05-25 23:03:53Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix
I picked this book to read because of the title. To be frank, I knew it was a war memoir, but I was thinking seashells, not mortar shells. Once I recovered from my chagrin, I devoured the book. It is quite poignant and timely since we have the war in Ukraine going on presently. At one point, the author was sent to live with her grandmother, who was born in the same year as my grandmother. This memoir brings to life the daily details of living through a war to those of us who haven’t had the misfortune to experience such tragedy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2023-04-30 15:11:072023-05-03 13:22:00Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Alison Risher
This book reminds me of Diary of A Young Girl- different war, different circumstances, but the same incredible, amazing, and sad story. Despite living through wartorn Bosnia, Nadija survives teenagehood by experimenting with dancing, boyfriends, school, and family relationships, akin to todays’ modern teenagers.
I enjoyed the book, abet with tissue in hand, because Nadija’s innocent yet scarred voice shines through her memoir. The inclusion of war time recipes was also interesting, and the creativity of the refugees to make do with bare supplies was encouraging.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-04-30 09:15:132023-05-03 13:11:39Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Crain
Suspicions is the fifth book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. Set in 1880’s Chicago, this book follows Emma as she continues honing her sleuthing skills and solving mysteries everywhere she goes. This story starts off with a bang as Emma is hit from behind by an unknown assailant who starts stabbing at her with knitting needles. Not faltering for a moment, she is able to take the woman down and grill her for information to aid her in solving her latest case. The woman who attacked her is the head of a nefarious crime ring and Emma interrogates her seeking leads to solve a child kidnapping ring.
As Emma, Jeremy, and friends follow leads to solve the child kidnapping ring and rescue the abducted children they begin to realize it is part of something bigger. As they work to save the children smaller cases pop up everywhere and they realize that it is all part of a larger crime organization. The cases keep leading them to someone from Emma’s past who is behind bars, but Emma cannot figure out his involvement. Somehow from behind the prison walls he is able to pull Emma’s puppet strings and keep her guessing.
This was yet another great book by this amazing author. Although this could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series first. They will help to provide background information on the characters and provide details that will add to the fifth book. The characters, the plot, the storyline, and the settings are brilliantly described and immerse you fully into the story.
This story, as the others, grabs your interest from the first pages and does not let go. I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride along with Emma as she fought to save the children from the clutches of the organized crime organization. I felt tears of both sadness and joy as Emma and Jeremy swooped in to rescue the abducted children. The characters are ones that I immediately felt a connection with from the first book. Especially the character of Emma, who is easily relatable with admirable qualities. She is feisty, brave, pigheaded, determined, courageous, and wise beyond her years. A great read full of mystery, danger, heart pounding suspense, and nail-biting action.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-04-28 11:47:392023-04-28 13:51:04Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Before discussing the fourth book, readers make sure you read the books in order. Was a bit confused out of the loop from not having the third book and helps explain parts of the fourth book. This time, Will and Maggie are adjusting to life in the 20th century when they receive a message from Dylan warning them to return to the past or risk changing the outcome of history. The novel takes into the twists and turns of time travel and its consequences. This is such a timeless (no pun intended) topic of time travel, will its effects alter past, present or future, and how to take advantage of traveling without major consequences.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2023-04-27 21:10:272023-04-28 13:55:31With Fire and Sword (Thunder On The Moor Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Ramos
Book two focuses on the struggles Will and Maggie face and how the circumstances drift them apart. Will is charged for treason and as he and Maggie try escaping but unfortunately are caught. Will is sentenced to death while Maggie is brought back to her family. The story takes readers into twists and turns to see how they will come together again and rescue Will from this fateful death. Readers, please make sure to read the first book in series. It will make the experience of the second novel better to understand and more enjoyable!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2023-04-27 20:27:202023-04-28 13:55:11Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Ramos
I fell in love with the setting and characters of this novel right away. Matthews definitely has a way of transporting her readers into 16th century Scotland taking us to the story of Maggie. I was honestly also very eager to read this series after reading that it is a time travel fantasy novel filled with romance, family, murder, suspense and so much more. Especially the popularity of the Outlander series, this book will also be the favorite of many other readers out there! Cannot wait to read the next one in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2023-04-27 19:43:002023-04-28 13:54:55Thunder on the Moor (Thunder On The Moor Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Ramos
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