This boom is a great follow up to the first book and I really enjoyed getting to know more about Sparky. She off on another adventure, trying to solve another mystery. The mix of characters in the book is great. It is clearly well thought it and they all add so much to it. The book is really well written and imaginative. The author draws you into the story with ease and keeps your attention right to the end. This is a great addition to the story and I am looking forward to Sparky’s next adventure.
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 Baker2023-12-20 14:37:282024-01-04 12:36:09The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kerry Baker
The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden. This is such a good cozy historical, mystery. I loved 11 year old orphan, Sparky, who is in the Bunker Hill, Los Angeles area in the 1930s. Sparky is a smart mouthed, spunky, know it all that is now accused of murdering another young kid in the area. Since she is a amateur private investigator she knows she’s got to investigate this because if not she will end up in jail. Sparky meets lots of different people in her investigation and sees lots of things in the area. She is very old for her age. I felt bad for her being accused of something she didn’t do and I was rooting for her. Will she be able to help the cops find the real killer before its too late or will she end up going to jail. Read this fun mystery to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-12-17 18:44:092024-01-04 11:37:47The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is a mystery. It is told in the first perspective, from the point of view of a young girl living on the streets. It is set in Los Angeles in the 1930s. The main character finds herself needing to prove she did not commit a heinous crime. Along the way, she learns the importance of considering the feelings of others.
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 Risher2023-12-13 22:56:282023-12-15 08:17:26The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Alison Risher
Mission Improbable: Vietnam is the third book in the Blanche Murninghan Mystery series by Nancy Nau Sullivan. I didn’t realise going into this book that it was the third book in a series. I loved the bright, interesting cover and clicked a copy before I noticed it was well into the series. Luckily, it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing anything- but having said that, I am intrigued enough to want to find out what happened in the first two books- so I will definitely be going back to explore them too, soon. This is a mystery with interesting character who set off on a quest to discover the truth- and end up on a bit of a journey of self-discovery, dredging up the ghosts of the past along the way. With travel, amateur sleuthing/investigation, history, family, discovery, challenges, adventure, and some emotion- this story made for an intriguing read. Set against the sights and sounds of Vietnam, added an extra layer of interest to the overall storyline. Another great read from this talented author. Happy reading…
Mission Improbable is the fun third book in A Blanche Murningham mystery. I haven’t read the first two books in the series, but I did not feel like I was missing anything. Amateur sleuth Blanche is intrigued and compelled to help a woman find her roots and see the country in which she lost her father. The journey is not so straightforward when some discouraged their adventures but there were others that we more than happy to shed light on what happened. What they learn will have long lasting effects as they uncover their heart-breaking stories. There is raw, and emotional moments with connections, bonds, friendships, hopes, and strength of character, sadness, humour, angst, and adventure. This is a story that is set in Vietnam and really tugged at my heartstrings, as we are reminded of a war that destroyed many. The story is well written and had me flipping the pages so I could find out how everything played out. There are great characters along the way who are unique, interesting, real, and colourful. I enjoyed the story so much I am going to go back and see what I missed in the first two books. Worth the read.
This was an intriguing mystery. There are bits of culture in it. I love the fact that we get bits of Blanche’s life and bits of Jean’s. I fell into it right from the beginning. I found Blanche to be a breathe of fresh air. She’s down to earth and tells it like it is. This a really riveting story because it focuses around secrets. It’s one that I’d recommend to mystery lovers.
Bang has a knack for adopting the most improbable causes…
It’s 2003. Blanche “Bang” Murninghan is perfectly content sitting on the dock of the Peel ‘n Eat Pier on Santa Maria Island, sipping an excellent draft and wiggling her fishing pole after an elusive sheepshead. Perfectly content, that is, until Jean McMahon appears at her side and forever disrupts Blanche’s peaceful idyll with ghosts of the past.
Blanche’s amateur sleuthing skills have become local legend, and Jean needs her help. It’s not a simple favor Jean asks: Will Blanche go to Vietnam with her and look for Jean’s mother?
Blanche feels an old wound rip open in her heart. Her father was killed in Vietnam, and she’d never gotten much history from her beloved grandmother on the subject. She realizes she and Jean share a powerful bond: They both want the truth.
A former newspaper journalist, Nancy Nau Sullivan taught English in Argentina, in the Peace Corps in Mexico, and at a boys’ prison in Florida. Her love of travel inspired her mystery series in which Blanche Murninghan sets off from her Florida home to various parts of the world where she immediately finds trouble. Nancy visited Vietnam in 2017 and fell in love with the culture, the people, and the food. She sent Blanche there for Mission Improbable: Vietnam, the third installment of the Blanche Murninghan Mystery series, which includes misadventures in Florida, Mexico City, Ireland—and Argentina, coming soon. Nancy is also author of an award-winning memoir, The Last Cadillac, and a novel, The Boys of Alpha Block. She lives in Northwest Indiana and, often, on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Find Nancy atwww.nancynausullivan.com.
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden- 4 out of 5 stars
Second book in this series and Sparky is back only this time she is dealing with a cannibal that has sophisticated tastes. With such great attention to detail, this author time travels you back to 1930’s Los Angeles. You truly feel like you are sleuthing right alongside Sparky. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elisha Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElisha Johnson2023-12-06 20:03:582023-12-13 13:10:47The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Elisha Johnson
This is the first book that I have read by Rosalind. It’s the first book in the series. Sparky, is an 11 year-old orphan. She has been accused of murdering a little girl, that she found on a park bench. Can she help the police find the killer and clear her name or does she wind up doing time for something that she didn’t commit. I like it but I did have a hard time wanting to read it. While it was an interesting story, it really wasn’t my kind of book. I could always give it another chance as well as read the other books in the series.
This is the first book that I have read by Rosalind. It’s the first book in the series. Sparky, is an 11 year-old orphan. She has been accused of murdering a little girl, that she found on a park bench. Can she help the police find the killer and clear her name or does she wind up doing time for something that she didn’t commit. I like it but I did have a hard time wanting to read it. While it was an interesting story, it really wasn’t my kind of book. I could always give it another chance as well as read the other books in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2023-12-05 18:50:012023-12-13 12:39:34The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
Book 2 in the Sparky of Bunker Hill series and a second that is absolutely knocked out of the park. Charming, gritty, endearing, unique…this story pulls me in in so many ways. Sparky is as street-wise and curious as ever in her neighborhood in Los Angeles. The community is absolutely loaded with unique and memorable characters and is vividly detailed to share the wistful, gritty, beautiful but dark times. One of those cozy books you read on a cold wet day and wish you could meet the characters in real life.
In addition to the myriad of wacky events Sparky investigates, she’s also looking to catch a cannibal with strong preferences. I’m unable to share much as I don’t have the way with words that the author does, but another absolute home run in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-12-05 10:44:472023-12-13 11:57:04The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shea Gilkerson
What an utterly charming story! I would never have guessed that reading from a point of view of a smart-aleck 11 year old orphan in the Depression Era would have had me so engrossed and invested! Beautiful visuals, learned some new verbiage from the past, I am invested in all of the zany assortment of characters. I do feel a couple more loose ends could have been finished up, but it was so much fun to read that I couldn’t put it down!
As previously mentioned, Sparky is an 11 year old orphan in the 1930’s. The neighborhood is Bunker Hill in Los Angeles. She’s street-wise, she’s smart, she’s a bit of a trouble maker, she’s an amateur investigator and now she’s accused of murder of a fellow kid in the area! After the initial accusation, the community piles on and the things she gets accused of are utterly absurd. Will Sparky be able to find the actual killer before it’s too late?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-12-05 10:31:052023-12-13 11:56:42The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shea Gilkerson
Dorothy Mason swore that she’d never marry again when her husband passed away five years ago. She just wasn’t interested in her heart being broken again. But living in her old house in Tennessee kept breaking it by reminding her daily of her times with her husband, and she was having a difficult time letting go. So, her sister convinces her to get a fresh start by traveling west on the wagon train to Oregon. But once she’s given up her life and everything dear to her and arrives in Missouri, Dorothy discovers that she can’t move forward unless she considers getting married again.
Reverend Elias Stone doesn’t quite believe in Manifest Destiny, but does believe in bringing lost souls to the Lord. With so many lost people moving out west in search of gold and riches, Elias feels a calling on his life to make a move in that direction, himself. So, he arranges to join a wagon train heading to Oregon and California. But before the journey even starts, he finds himself in a harrowing situation that could take his life, calling, and ability to travel away from him. Only by considering a marriage to a woman he doesn’t even know can he continue, but is this really God’s plan for him?
P. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author, Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them. P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos — she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_0104.jpeg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-12-05 00:05:142023-12-20 14:25:55A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden
The Earl, her reluctant Guardian By: Wareeze Woodson
This is a fantastic multifaceted story. It contains elements of a mystery and a crime. It also has chemistry between characters. This story is told from a dual point of view and I feel that this was done wonderfully. It added depth to the plot without making it feel disjointed. Vanessa is such a wonderful character who I found myself relating to, even though this is a historical fiction novel. She struggles with confidence and regaining control in her own life. Lord Danville is one who has really made her feel less than. Yet, she also feels something else for him. Lord Danville won’t deny his feelings for her, but will he act on them. This is historical fiction written at its best! The characters are amazing and well written! The plot moves at a good pace. I definitely recommend picking up 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.pngChristine2023-12-03 18:18:262023-12-13 09:56:14The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Christine Baranek
The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden is a great cozy mystery
Orphaned 11-year-old amateur girl sleuth Sparky returns in another noirish adventure, set in the sketchy milieu of 1930s Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles. The clock is ticking as Sparky tries to track down stolen precious jewels while, at the same time, a gourmet cannibal is on the loose in the city, seeking new prey. As the suspect count escalates, Sparky’s protector, the former silent movie star Tootsie, is oblivious to the danger. She’s too busy getting Sparky back to school. No! Meanwhile, with her stalwart pal Bobby out of town, Sparky finds herself sometimes annoyed, and fascinated by the mysterious boy who works in a most peculiar pet shop.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-12-03 17:05:082023-12-13 09:25:03The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden is a great mystery series.
Meet Sparky, an orphaned, street-savvy 11-year-old living by her wits in the Depression-era Bunker Hill neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. She is on a mission to clear her name after being accused of the murder of a little girl whose body she discovers on a park bench—talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Things only get worse when Sparky is blamed for more outrageous crimes until her body count is ridiculous.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-12-03 17:01:022023-12-13 08:45:36The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
Master of the Abyss is sadly the third and final book and the end to this unique historical thriller Painted Souls series. It is a fast-paced ride and as with the other books in the series I was fully lost in the story. It is a tale that takes place between the past and present around the world but predominantly in 16th century Venice and is rich in history.
Eternal purgatory, an age-old journal, lost and tortured souls, ancient relics, global supremacy are just some of the things Julia and friends encounter in this gripping tale. They are in a race against time and in a deadly game to stop an unhinged and dangerous man who will stop at nothing. Rob cleverly woven intricate threads of magical realism and fantasy where his vivid narrative transports the reader in time and place as you explore the beauty and wonder of Venice and the darkness, secrets and lies beneath. This clever and multilayered plot is compelling and complex with danger lurking in the shadows, suspense that is palpable, tension so thick you can cut it with a knife. There are twists and turns that you don’t know what is going to happen next.
I was so lost in the story in another time and place that my husband kept checking on me because I was so quiet and hadn’t moved for hours.
I can’t wait to see what comes next from Rob.
If you are a lover of historical thrillers, you are going to love this series.
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 Bishop2023-12-01 17:11:042023-12-07 12:30:47Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jenni Bishop
Master of the Abyss is the third and final book in the Painted Souls Series by Rob Samborn. It follows up from The Prisoner of Paradise (Book #1) and Painter of the Damned (Book #2)- so if you are yet to read the first two books, then I highly recommend that you do so before diving into this final instalment. This is a continuation of the story and there has been a lot that has happened previously that you will want to know going into this book. There is a lot of important storyline details, character information, interconnected elements/threads, and intriguing backstory that you need to know in order to get the ultimate reading experience from this book. Julia O’Connor (and friends) has her work cut out for her here- as she is thrust into a quest to not only to save her husband and the multitude of souls trapped in eternal torment, but turns out that she’ll need to save the world from a psychotic religious fanatic bent on utter domination, as well. What happens makes for a page-turning read. Although I didn’t want this series to end, because it has been such a great read- this conclusion to the series is everything I could have hoped for, and more. Mr. Samborn didn’t rest on his laurels, and yet again, upped the ante to bring us another well-written, multi-layered, gripping, and incredibly ‘visual’ story. With plenty of dramatic developments, tension, action, danger, supernatural/paranormal elements, a high stakes quest, an ancient relic, suspense, twists, intensity, adventure, intrigue, historical details, agendas, complexity, layers, mysteriousness, an ancient journal, and so much more – made for a very gripping historical thriller. This was edge of your seat reading at its best- OMG I devoured this book in one sitting as I had to know how everything played out in the end. And as expected from Mr. Samborn- the tension mounts to an all-time high- making for a quite a riveting read. The Painted Souls series would definitely make a fantastic movie, or epic television series! I am eager to see what Mr. Sanborn has up his sleeve for us next. 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 Hayes2023-12-01 01:07:592023-12-07 12:18:51Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book #3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Angela Hayes
Wow. I’m not even sure quite how to describe the experience of enjoying this story. The author puts together an intriguing and unique story told from the perspective of the 11yo Sparky. I honestly expected a more juvenile story with a writing style to match for this type of cozy mystery—instead what I got was a compelling story and witty dialogue. The author also did a wonderful job with character development and creating unique, but believable characters to help Cary the storyline. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the story and incorporation of the culture of the 1930s which helped transport me directly into the time and story—a proven talent of this author’s writing style. I honestly can’t say enough good things, just pick this one up and be prepared to be transported into the mystery and helping Sparky clear her name!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Condrahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Condra2023-11-30 23:07:002023-12-07 12:10:26The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel
This is a gripping epic conclusion to this series, and I have been kept captivated from book one. Once again, I was hooked throughout with this historical thriller, and it was a real page turner. It was nice being back with old friends, Julia and husband Nick, who in this story remains imprisoned in eternal purgatory. Therefore, it is up to Julia and her friends to stop Salvatore della Porta from achieving his plan of global supremacy through ‘Veritism’. They aim to save millions of souls from a similar fate as Nick’s. However, as Julia and her team travel across Europe heading to Asia and then finally back to Venice they are being tracked by della Porta’s men. They are seeking the age-old journal with the power to either help della Porta to succeed or stop him for good. To free the souls, including Nick’s they need to find an ancient relic that can destroy the ‘Sun Crystal’. In a race against time Julia and her team only have one last chance to liberate the imprisoned souls, save her husband, and stop della Porta from gaining endless power. This was a real fast paced story with an action-packed storyline, and great characters who literally crossed the globe. As usual the author brought the multiple settings vividly to life, making me feel completely immersed in the story. Having read the whole series now I felt very engaged with the characters, especially Nick and Julia O’Connor. This whole series has had me on the edge of my seat, unable to put the books down. I highly recommend reading this series, but I personally think it is one which you do need to read in order.
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 Gordon2023-11-30 09:59:422023-12-07 11:48:38Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jennifer Gordon
What a fantastic conclusion to this series. After reading the previous two books, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. As soon as it hit my kindle I just had to find out his things would end. This book is easy my favourite of them all. It was exciting to read and had so much going on. It felt like i went on the journey with the characters. I loved watching hing them all drvelop over the course of the series and was desperate to know what the author had in store for them all. This is a fantastic book and a brilliant series.
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 Baker2023-11-29 15:30:192023-12-07 11:45:02Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Kerry Baker
Dorothy Mason swore that she’d never marry again when her husband passed away five years ago. She just wasn’t interested in her heart being broken again. But living in her old house in Tennessee kept breaking it by reminding her daily of her times with her husband, and she was having a difficult time letting go. So, her sister convinces her to get a fresh start by traveling west on the wagon train to Oregon. But once she’s given up her life and everything dear to her and arrives in Missouri, Dorothy discovers that she can’t move forward unless she considers getting married again.
Reverend Elias Stone doesn’t quite believe in Manifest Destiny, but does believe in bringing lost souls to the Lord. With so many lost people moving out west in search of gold and riches, Elias feels a calling on his life to make a move in that direction, himself. So, he arranges to join a wagon train heading to Oregon and California. But before the journey even starts, he finds himself in a harrowing situation that could take his life, calling, and ability to travel away from him. Only by considering a marriage to a woman he doesn’t even know can he continue, but is this really God’s plan for him?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8526.jpg750750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-11-28 00:06:492023-12-29 20:21:10📘 .•°*°•.🤍 PREORDER 🤍 .•°*°•.📘 A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden
With her husband imprisoned in eternal purgatory, Julia O’Connor and her friends must use every tool in their arsenal to stop Salvatore della Porta from completing his plan of global supremacy through Veritism—the one veritable religion—and save millions of souls from a similar fate.
Della Porta’s men doggedly track the team across Europe to Asia and back to Venice, as they seek an age-old journal that will either catapult della Porta to triumph or crush him for good. To free the souls and end the madness, they must also unearth an ancient relic that can destroy the Sun Crystal—the key to our past, present, and future.
In a final, desperate gambit, Julia and her band of renegades have one last chance to save her husband, liberate the imprisoned souls, and stop della Porta from gaining boundless power. Their every move is a race against destiny in this gripping, globe-spanning historical thriller.
Rob Samborn is the award-winning and bestselling author of The Prisoner of Paradise and The Swordsman of Venice. In addition to being a novelist, Rob is a screenwriter, entrepreneur and avid traveler. He’s been to forty countries, lived in five of them and studied nine languages. As a restless spirit who can’t remember the last time he was bored, Rob is on a quest to explore the intricacies of our world and try his hand at a multitude of crafts; he’s also an accomplished artist and musician, as well as a budding furniture maker. A native New Yorker who lived in Los Angeles for twenty years, he now makes his home in Denver with his wife, daughter and dog. For more information visit www.robsamborn.com.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8528.jpeg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-11-28 00:03:422023-12-15 12:53:01Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn
This is the second book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. This book (and the first in the series) is a historical cozy mystery that takes place in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Sparky is a tween who happens to be incredibly street smart which leads to her being an incredible amateur sleuth. One thing that I have really enjoyed about both the books in the series is how different each of the characters is, they all are very quirky / eccentric and that to me makes the story unique. Also Rosalind Barden pays attention to the little details that make you feel as if you have traveled back in time and are experiencing everything along with Sparky, it really feels like no detail has been left out. I found this book to be a quick read that really kept me wanting to read more. I definitely enjoyed each and every word on the pages and I highly recommend picking this book up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-26 18:22:512023-12-05 10:58:33The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Christine Baranek
Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden is a great historical holiday book
Joy Stewart, a teacher, has never been fortunate. Her father passed away prior to her birth. Her mother moved far away and remarried, leaving her in the care of her grandma. Therefore, her debtors call her once her grandma passes away from sickness. And as recompense for his debt, one of them is determined to marry Joy. Joy’s misfortune looks to be getting worse; she needs a Christmas miracle, and her grandma is working on one. Marshal Jack Bolling has discovered that he needs a babysitter. He now has custody of his four-year-old twin niece and nephew following the untimely deaths of his sister and her husband. He has been looking for a suitable nanny for them for more than a month, but he hasn’t been able to find one that can afford what a marshal makes or on his pay.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-11-23 20:27:032023-12-05 09:00:57Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
Joy Stewart is a young lady grieving the recent passing of her grandmother, a woman who raised her from a young age after the passing of her parents, so when she is confronted by a hulking man escorting her from the graveside to speak to a man she has never met, Joy is astonished. Unfortunately for Joy, this is not going to be a nice conversation because the man who wants to speak to her, kindly lets her know that her grandmother owed him a lot of money in the form of past loans and he demands that Joy pays the rest of the owing’s, or becomes his wife, but her grandma has made other plans for Joy.
Marshall Jack Bolling is the law enforcement in the small town of Virginia City and so lives above the jailhouse with his mother, as he is out checking on one of the residents, he is heading home and sees smoke in the distance and as he saddles his horse he starts to organise a bucket chain, however, as he approaches the scene, his worst fears are realised, it is his childhood home. He is relieved when he sees his niece and nephew alive and well, but he is devastated when he finds out that his sister and her husband were not so fortunate, so he takes the children to live with him and his mother, but looking after them takes more of a toll than he expected and he tries to look for a nanny, with no success.
As Joy tries to process her situation, she falls on more bad luck and needs to make a decision, stay or run, meanwhile, Jack is advised that there could be another way to bring in help with the children, a mail order bride, but he is reluctant, especially with it coming up to Christmas. Will Jack find someone to be his wife before the holidays really begin and will Joy find her escape from the threats when she follows the plan her grandmother set out and will she be able to run far enough to not have to look over her shoulder? This is a slow burn romance set to a backdrop of emotional turmoil, despair and hope where two decisions can either make or break lives, as danger lurks in every shadow in this engaging historical romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-11-23 17:45:582023-12-05 09:00:24Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
5 Stars Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden
Joy’s Christmas Escape is the first book in The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Series is ia Historical Holiday Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I’m a fan of Historical Romance and I love reading Holiday romance as well this is just what I needed. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m super excited to check out what other books they have written. This authors style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. This is a story about Marshal Jack and Joy. She’s a schoolteacher who last her grandmother and now is being hounded by a man about her grandmother’s debts. Joy can’t pay so he suggests her becoming his mistress. She doesn’t want to do that. Jack finds himself in a situation where he now has his sister’s twin girls due to a house fire. Jack has a lot on his plate and isn’t sure how he’s going to manage it all. Can he be what she needs and can she be what he needs? This is a sweet romance that I highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I’m super excited about this series and look forward to reading the next book soon.
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 Daughenbaugh2023-11-23 05:45:432023-12-05 08:50:39Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Joy’s Christmas Escape was a great book, P. Creeden is an amazing author who brings such a sweet romance with a beautiful gospel touch to it. It made me feel so good to read of how important Joy’s religious beliefs were to her, and the power of her faith in every trial that was thrown her way. She was such a strong woman to have gone through everything that she did and still endured through it all like a warrior. Marshal Bolling was the perfect companion to be matched with Joy, his mail-order bride, and what better timing couldn’t have come for both of them? I adored the attention to detail that the author took in developing the characters, and showing how much, they needed one another, whether they knew it or not. The setting in this story was one of my favorite time periods, when the world was so much more relaxed, and you could feel the friendliness of everyone around the town. The whole atmosphere reminded me of small-town living back in the days when everyone was neighborly, and you didn’t have such a huge issue with crimes. This was a great book to enjoy during this holiday season, it just warmed my heart. I have already started on the next book in this series and am excited to read about the next mail-order bride’s story. @Brandy Rymer 11/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-11-23 00:26:452023-12-05 08:50:18Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Brandy Rymer
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. It’s a historical romance that keeps things interesting. Great characters and good world building. I’m looking forward to reading the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2023-11-22 19:47:322023-12-05 08:48:56Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Angela Plate, November 2023
Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden. I loved this book so much and can’t wait to read the next one. Its the story of Joy who has been pushed aside her whole life. Her dad died when she was really young and her mom left her with her grandmother so that she could run off and get married. When her grandmother dies she is worried because the loan shark is coming to collect. Joy finds out from her minster that her grandmother had planned for this all along and has set her up with a matchmaker in Denver. Jack has been dealt a crappy hand, his sister and brother in law in a horrible accident he comes into custody of his 4 year old twin niece and nephew. Knowing he needs help, he tries to hire a nanny but with no luck. He finally turns to a matchmaker and is matched with Joy. I loved this story and the holiday time line made it even sweeter.
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 Treadway2023-11-22 09:21:232023-11-22 12:53:50Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Tausha Treadway
Back during a time period where God centered lives, men carried guns, and women took care of families; life may have seemed simple and easy but for Joy, life had never been easy. Living her sheltered life in the city of Memphis, with her grandmother, didn’t do Joy any favors. After a series of unfortunate events, Joy must escape the city to Colorado. What she finds in the west is Marshall Jack. Jack is the lawman in town and he takes his job seriously. He loves his family and is trying his very best to make everyone happy. He realizes he needs help. Joy and Jack’s circumstances bring them together in a sweet love story. But like life the bad guy tries to ruin everything.
This story is a sweet western romance. A quick and easy read with a well written plot. Joy, Jack and the others are lovable characters. Looking forward to reading more of the Mail Order Bride Series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2023-11-22 07:42:222023-11-22 12:52:09Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Shannon Fowler
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