This is a series that I have read out of order but found thoroughly enjoyable anyway. Adding the first book of the series on to what I have read was always something I was going to do, and I am really glad I did. I had a great feel for the characters anyway but it was nice to finally get that full, overall development. There were definitely a few details in this book that I had missed out on. As with the others this book is well written with a great, steady pace to it. I became invested in both the characters and the story and enjoyed that tale the author had created. This is a great series overall that is definitely worth a read.
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 Baker2022-09-07 16:15:232022-09-08 06:24:51Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Baker
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire Forerunner Series Book 4 By: Jay Veloso Batista Review By: Susan Ratchford 4 Stars
Book 4 in the Forerunner series details Kara’s journey to escape an arranged marriage and follow her dreams to be a warrior like her father. Armed with his own sword will she prove she has what it takes to wield it? Join the Agneson clan as they continue to battle for their lives through Midgard and beyond in this glorious continuation of the Epic Forerunner series! Batista creates a beautiful and magical world full of rich mythology and captivating imagery that is so much fun to explore. The Forerunner series is a breath of fresh air and I love it! I think it’s awesome that he gives us a synopsis of what has happened in the series so far, before this installment begins. For people like me who sometimes don’t continue a series right away it was very helpful and brought me right back into his story and it fills you in even if you miss a book! The switching of perspectives throughout, also keeps the story moving and feeling fast paced without ever getting dull. It kept me updated on all of the characters too! I felt the passion and determination and even fear from everyone, their emotions came off flawlessly. I loved Kara and Kaelan’s relationship. It was so sweet no wonder the fairies were “attracted to their love like bees to honey.” I also really enjoy Thorfinn and his broken sax/ sword, and the mythical friends he makes. I highly recommend this series if you are looking for intrigue, action, mythology, and fun.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2022-09-07 12:40:562022-09-08 06:05:18Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Susan Ratchford
This is an enjoyable and engaging YA cozy mystery, and a great first book in a new series. In this story we are introduced to the heroine of the series, Emma, who is working at her family’s bakery but dreaming of adventure. Set in Chicago 1881, and the city is recovering from the Great Fire of 71, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing both the setting and the era vividly to life, through her descriptive narrative. Emma takes the opportunity of working with the boys on the delivery wagons, in her quest for a more exciting life. Emma has always been very observant and dreams of being a detective. Her observations lead her to investigate cases ranging from robbery to murder. However, her first case becomes more complicated when her family seem to be involved, and family secrets are revealed. Emma has to use all her skills, including her self defence and knife skills, in order to protect both herself and her family. This is a very entertaining, page turner of a novel, which I thoroughly recommend. Emma is a great main character, who is likeable and relatable, and I look forward to going on many more cases with her during this series.
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 Gordon2022-09-07 11:23:382022-09-08 06:03:41Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins. I have loved this series so much. The writing is so good that I feel like I’m truly there. This is Emma’s story and she is a remarkable lady. This is set in 1881 in Chicago after the great fires and Emma is in tune with things that she helps solve several crimes that have happened. Emma and her father are extremely forward thinking for their time. He even hires “specialists” to help Emma learn and that was unheard of in the time. Losing her mom in the fires has changed them all but it has only made Emma stronger and more independent. They are also trying to continue to run her mom’s bakery keeping them all super busy but the desires of Emma’s heart is far greater than her mom’s bakery. Trying to keep safe and still solve the crimes that she loves to do she dresses in a disguise to fool people. Will she be able to continue solving crimes or will she become a victim herself. Read this fun book about history and you will feel like you were actually there.
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 Treadway2022-09-07 10:25:482022-09-08 05:59:14Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is a well written series with some great standalone books forming it. I had only read one of the books in this series when I got the boxed set so I was excited to read more of them. Each are as good as the others. The characters are engaging and easy to connect with, the stories all flow well and are great books to read. Each book had the same feeling to them but they were all distinct from each other. The characters stood out and none of the storylines felt like there were iterations of another. I was impressed with the writing style and enjoyed each and every one of these books. This is a series I would recommend.
The family parties are planned, the baking’s completed and all that’s left is to decorate the trees. What could be left to do but enjoy the holidays? Events conspire to change their plans however when a simple delivery reveals a deadly stranger. Things are further complicated when a friend of Emma’s asks for help to investigate a reported haunting at his family’s mansion. Deadly events come together right before the holidays can be celebrated.
Emma is the first book in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. This is an historical mystery series featuring plucky teenager Emma whom we follow as she investigates various crimes and mysteries, here, and throughout the series. She has a knack for solving crime and this is the book that starts it all. With adventure, drama, danger, secrets, corruption, and more- made for an intriguing read. 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 Hayes2022-09-05 22:47:502022-09-06 20:21:03Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Angela Hayes
This story takes place in 1881. Emma’s mother has died in the Great Chicago Fire and her family is picking up the pieces the best she can. They are also carrying on the legacy of her mother’s bakery. Her cousin is running the bakery, but she has a desire for more. Truthfully, she has always had a desire for more. She is fashion conscious and very observant. She goes nowhere without the red hat on her head and her skirts, while still following the dress code, have a long slit in them. Emma also is incredibly observant. She goes nowhere without her trusty notebook, which is where she records all her observations. With her desires for a larger, more adventurous life, she asks her father for permission to ride along with the delivery boys. He agrees with the caveat that she stay safe and careful. To agree with her father’s wishes, she decides the best way to do this is to dress like a delivery boy, with her hair braided on top of her head, underneath her hat. While on her delivery routes, she finds that her keep observance will come in handy. She is able to solve many crimes and mysteries throughout the city. Including a possible robbery. She is definitely trying to stay safe, however, she hopes that the lessons her father has given her will help her if needed. This book is full of twists and turns. I truly enjoyed it and it kept me guessing. I cannot recommend this book enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-09-04 17:47:362022-09-06 10:16:44Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Christine Baranek
This series has always been very entertaining. This is book 1. You can read them stand alone but I recommend reading them in order. Emma is a very courageous and independent young woman. She may have some fear but she doesn’t show it. She’ll get to the bottom of mysteries. In this one, she’s working to figure out what happened to her momma. I love the characters. They are so well-written. Dora, Jeremy, Tony, etc. are relatable and feel like they could be your family. Some delicious recipes are also included with this book. The plot can get you right in the heart because it will get all your emotions. This is Emma’s family mystery that we are solving. A wonderful book that will be a classic. Meant for the younger crowd but the older people will love it too.
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 Kittell2022-09-04 05:24:082022-09-06 10:09:26Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Shelly Kittell
The fourth book of the Notebook Mysteries, unexpected outcomes, continues to follow Emma – a young, observant sleuth. This book is a good end to a fun series!
Emma has grown and matured through the books to get to this place. The mysteries are as tangled as ever, the costs even greater. It’s fun to see the events from Emma’s perspective and I love how familiar the characters have become.
The story does build on itself so I suggest you start with book 1. You won’t regret it.
I am enjoying the Notebook Mysteries but just realised I missed the first book and have gone back and finally read it. This book is titled Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma and is where it all began.
This is a YA, historical cozy mystery tale where a 16-year-old spirited Emma wants more in life. She fancies herself a bit of an amateur sleuth and the adventure begins. She finds herself caught up in danger, crime, dark secrets, corrupt officials and mobsters.
Emma is a delightful and a fun read. It is not just a cozy mystery it is also a bit of a recipe book included throughout to delight the senses.
Notebook Mysteries is a for those who loves super sleuthing and who love a good mystery.
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 Bishop2022-09-03 03:56:422022-09-06 09:51:42Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jenni Bishop
The saga begins in Chicago in 1881; when the city was just recovering from the great fire of ’71. Emma works at her family bakery but wishes for more adventure. There is an opportunity for her to have more adventures by working with the boys on the delivery wagons.
Her observation begins to pull her into cases ranging from robbery to murder. One case becomes more and more complicated and pulls in her family; To protect them and herself-will her skills with knives and self-defense see her through?
Kimberly Mullins is the author of a series of books called Notebook Mysteries. Her stories are base in historical events occurring in 1880’s Chicago. She holds a BS in biology and a Masters in business. Her favorite classes were in history. She lives in Texas with her husband and son. When she is not writing she works as a Process Safety Engineer at a large chemical company. You can connect with her on her website at kimberlymullinsauthor.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/emma.jpg1200776itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-09-02 00:04:162022-09-15 22:45:07Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins
Hester, a farmer’s daughter, yearns for more than feeding lambs by the kitchen fire. She envies the freedom of the river nymphs and listens to Sabrina’s whispers: Be wise, be strong.
When Hester meets Aaron, a man powerful in herbal lore, she decides the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina seeks of her. But her mother scorns her ambitions as witchery and decrees her daughter must have a husband to settle her. Hester flees to Aaron, only to discover he too, insists she should marry and be ‘ordinary’ folk.
While a desperate Hester battles for her dream, Aaron must reconcile his past to accept the future. Will the river help, or hinder?
The saga of the Agneson family continues!! Cub, Kara, Sorven, Thorfinn, and Uncle Karl are all scattered far from each other and facing their own battles to survive. Cub finds himself becoming known as a strategist. Kara finds herself as a hired sword and her first love. Sorven finds out that his cousin doesn’t make the best decisions and that he’d be better off alone. Thorfinn finds himself trying to protect his sister and ends up paying the price of a revenge plot. Karl find himself with an unexpected bride, and an impending sea battle. The magic, battles and heartbreak abound in this story. The kids are quickly growing up and changing while Uncle Karl does his best to survive. Can they all survive their personal battles? Will they ever come back together as a family?
I enjoy this author’s work! Each book I find myself immediately pulled into the story and I don’t want to put them down until the end! The characters are all well written. Their struggles and how they work through them feel very real -as much as fantasy can. There are a few unexpected twists at the end that had me heartbroken for one sibling and worried for another. I am looking forward to the next installment so I can find out what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-09-01 09:46:432022-09-14 10:17:00Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Desiree Ottinger
Aloha Series Boxset contain the three books in the series by Jill Brashear. It is a great deal, three books for the price of one #winning! The series is set against the tropical and picturesque backdrop of Hawaii. There is a retro historical element to the story too, as it is set in the1960’s, which definitely added an extra element of interest to the stories/series for me. The boxset contains:
TRY EASY (BOOK #1) This is a vacation romance with a bit of a love triangle. Lou travel to Hawaii for a vacation, leaving her fiancé back home in Seattle. She soon meets a local surfer named Keoni, and a friendship is formed. With a fiancé back home, she fights her attraction to Keoni- what does the future hold for these two. Will Lou return to Seattle and her fiancé? This story makes for a great read….
TRY ME (BOOK #2) This is a fake relationship romance. Declan, a pro surfer seems to be at the top his game. But that’s not really the case at all. There is a sea of pain he hides from the world. Pearl is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps and cement her place in the surfing world. Pretending to be Declan’s girlfriend wasn’t part of the plan…. but if it helps her achieve her dreams then she can pretend for a while. These two have so much chemistry and are perfect for each other… another wonderful addition
TRY RIGHT (BOOK #3) We follow Claudia, a movie star trying to reinvigorate her career, and Henry the stuntman working on her latest set. Claudia is trying to recapture her past, and Henry has agreed to help. But along the way the lines of friendship begin to blur- and maybe recapturing her past isn’t so important anymore. A sweet friends-to-lovers romance, with a little drama, plenty of chemistry, and a dash or two of angst…. just to keep things interesting.
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 Hayes2022-08-31 23:48:292022-09-02 12:57:14The Aloha Series Box Set (Books #1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Angela Hayes
This coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of 12 year old Michelle Naget, as the Germans march through France during WWII. The Naget family’s life is turned upside-down when they are forced to endure the Germans taking over their home and becoming servants to the enemy. I was hooked on this story from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down. The reader is shown what the family went through in the ravages of war without the explicit details, but lets us in to the emotional experience. The story is also brought to life knowing it is based off of the stories and French documents from Michelle Naget. It’s hard to imagine what it was like for the Naget family, but the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life for the reader. This is definitely a book you should read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2022-08-31 22:48:142022-09-02 12:52:22The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Brandy Vaughn
When I decided to read this book, I was unaware that it was based on a true story. Learning that it was based on a true story made it more inspiring and impactful. When I read the description of the book what drew me in was that it was a different point of view during WWII. I love reading about WWII and Nazi Germany, and this book checked all those boxes. The author’s writing and descriptions provided me with a clear view of what it was like for Michelle and her family living in their home while it was occupied by the German soldiers during World War II and having to tiptoe around to keep many secrets hidden from the Nazis. It is unfortunate to learn that Michelle Naget had to learn many life lessons many years before she should have. The loss of her oldest brother to the war, her next oldest brother being shot, and constantly having to be worried she might become the object of a German soldier. This book is absolutely a must-read book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Lapehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Lape2022-08-31 21:35:252022-09-02 12:48:33The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Ashley Lape
I do not have the words to describe how this story made me feel. While this is not typically a genre that I tend to follow, I just simply could not ignore the beautiful cover, and the synopsis of this book. This story was a difficult one to read based on the story subject itself, however it is a beautiful story. The research that this terrific author did as well as the I interviews had to have been very detailed and perfect to make this story come to life. I personally can only imagine how difficult it must of have been to share this story, but I am so glad that an author took their time to do all the research necessary to get this wonderful story into the world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2022-08-31 20:45:232022-09-02 12:44:32The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by stephanie nicole
The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis is a masterfully written piece of historical fiction. The fact that the author took so much time to capture these intricate details shines through from the very first page. Although this is a fictional story, she is clearly passionate about her writing and story being precise to reflect the time. Her writing and descriptions provided me a clear view of what it was like for Michelle and her family living in their home while it was occupied by the German soldiers during World War II, and having to tiptoe around to keep many secrets hidden from the Nazi’s. Many emotions flooded me throughout my time reading it, and even now I catch myself still reflecting upon it. I’d like to say thank you to the author for taking some much time and care transcribing this beautiful story. I will most certainly recommend to my historical fan friends and keep an eye out for more books by her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2022-08-31 20:36:022022-09-02 12:44:10The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Katie Turner
This was a great read! It was emotional and inspiring. Finding out everything was based off of real experiences just made it more impactful. I’m very glad I picked this book up. I think this is a book everyone should read. One thing I enjoyed is the different perspective. A lot of World War Two memoirs and stories focus on the jews and this one was focused on France. Which was a different take than what I’m used to and I’m grateful for because sometimes it is easy to forget that other people were just as impacted by the war, just in different ways. Kudos to the author for this riveting tale. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-08-31 20:20:442022-09-02 12:41:53The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Rachel Moss
I loved being able to binge these books all together and not have to wait for the next installment! The series is fun and lighthearted. The characters are wonderful and there is such wit throughout the series that everything tied together! This series was one of the easiest I have ever binged and I loved every minute of it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kay Striteskyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKay Stritesky2022-08-31 20:10:382022-09-02 12:40:46The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Kay Stritesky
The Aloha Series books 1-3 by Jill Brashear were perfectly written, fun, witty and dangerous. I loved the insight on the characters from the other book but not too much that it took away from their individual stories. I was so happy to have read all three books in one. It was really great not having to wait for each book. The author really makes you wish you were a local from Hawaii.
Try Easy. Oh man I loved Keoni and Lou’s story. What person wouldn’t want to be swept away in Hawaii? Lou has her life planned out but when she and her best friend take a vacation to the incredible islands of Hawaii, everything changes. Keoni is much like a celebrity in Hawaii. A talented surfer and amazing person, he doesn’t dislike anything except tourists. But almost two weeks with Lou isn’t enough. The pair are drawn to one another and have to figure out if they want to make it work. I was obsessed!
Try Right. This was such a cute story. Declan has an image, a reputation and does what it takes to protect that because he just wants to surf. Pearl just wants to fulfill her mother’s legacy and dream. I didn’t think I’d do desperately want to take up surfing because of a book but I’d definitely try it now. Pearl and Declan just fit together and I’d really love to see more of their relationship and how her career pans out.
Try Me. I didn’t read up on who this was going to be about before I started and I was very surprised at who the author chose for this book. Claudia has history with the islands, but she hasn’t been back since. She had a fling the summer she came and now wants it back. That is until she meets Henry. Henry is used to danger but it seems women are a different danger for him, especially Claudia. I really enjoyed their romance story. They were sweet, funny and it felt right.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2022-08-31 19:33:402022-09-02 12:36:49The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Kristan Anderson
The Letter Carrier is one of the most captivating books I’ve read. I love reading about WWII and Nazi Germany, and this book checked all those boxes. The book is largely based on a true story and reads like a memoir. There is so much detail and you can feel the fear in the characters. It is focused around Michelle Nagat and her family, during a 4 year stretch. They have the largest home in their French village, which is commandeered by German soldiers in the 1940s. They quickly become prisoners within their own home, being servants to the soldiers. In fear of their lives daily, they do what they must to survive. I loved reading the ending, telling of the current lives of the characters. We also hear about the authors research and work put into writing and publishing the book. Highly recommend, this book held my attention start to finish, and beyond. I found myself Googling the family and events, to see what details were factual. I would love to read other books by the author, as she writes wonderfully, capturing the characters, and truly does her research.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2022-08-31 19:24:452022-09-02 12:35:52The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
I’m not sure where to start with The Letter Carrier. This book knocked me off my feet and pulled at every emotion I had. I cried at many different points throughout this story and shouted with joy at others. I will not soon forget this experience.
Michelle Naget and her family hear of Germans getting closer to their hometown and gather their essentials to flee with so many other families. They are unsuccessful in this attempt at escaping the Nazis and are sent back to be under the new reign of terror. They must endure through having the enemy living inside their home, providing food and services for them and being under the most intense scrutiny. Michelle made some friends but learned many unimaginable lessons from a young age as she would “do what must be done.”
This was such a heartbreaking, eye-opening experience into the atrocities that so many people endured during this harrowing point in history. I feel as though everyone should read this and put yourself in the shoes of the family in midst of this terror and gain a sliver of insight into how long and frightening this truly was.
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 Kern2022-08-31 17:45:352022-09-02 12:26:47The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Shannen Kern
What a powerful riveting story. This book was based on a true story and follows Michelle Naget’s story and the French amidst the Nazi invasion. It was powerful yet so tasteful and well done. I loved that graphic details were not necessary due to the skill of the author. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, but this book is just on a different scale. It is a story worth every minute, and I wish that everyone, from teen and up, could read it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2022-08-31 16:16:422022-09-02 12:19:51The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Rebecca Hill
Michelle Naget is a young girl whose life has been one of happiness, family and fun, she lives with her parents and four brothers of which, she is the middle child, in the small village of Braquis, they are close and life is good, but when news starts arriving about the Nazi invasion, Michelle has no idea just how much her life is going to change.
It was a slow change at first, there were rumblings of fighting breaking out, but it wasn’t near to their village, but slowly, more and more people were seen walking through the town with only what they could carry and it was a shock to Michelle and her younger brothers when they joined them. They packed only the essentials and fled their home, this journey was full of danger and reality soon descends on the Naget family as events cause their worst fears to come to pass, a troop of Nazi soldiers find them, but one of the family has split off and they do not know what has happened to them as they are escorted back to their home, but it is not as it was left, their belongings are strewn in the road, as are those of their neighbours. That is not the worst of it, they now find that because they have space in their home, it has been requisitioned by the Nazi’s for their officers and now the Naget family have to serve their oppressors and become almost slaves in their own home.
This becomes their life four the next four years as the Nazi’s invasion continues, they are treated like slaves, food is scarce and school and work are the only things they are allowed to do, apart from attending the local church, this becomes a lifeline for Michelle as she desperately hangs onto her faith. Amid tensions with the other villagers, who question their loyalty and the threat of harm constantly hovering over their heads the Naget family take their family motto to heart “We do what must be done” and keep it there as they pray for the Allies to come and set them free, the only thing which keeps them sane are the letters they receive, for Michelle that is from a young man they met while fleeing from their home, Légère.
As tensions increase and the line between life and death becomes akin to a knife’s edge, can Michelle keep herself and her family safe, or will one of them make the wrong move and end it all? This is an emotionally stirring tale of the effects occupation can have from the perspective of a young person who is coming of age and how war and stress can become a part of life. It will leave you feeling like you have been through the ringer with the characters, as you struggle to put down this engaging rollercoaster of a book.
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 Lesieur2022-08-31 16:01:572022-09-02 12:19:06The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
I literally ‘binge read’ this box set, of the first three books in ‘The Aloha Series’, and I thoroughly enjoyed all three stories. Each of the historical romance stories are set in the tropical islands of Hawaii in the late 1960’s. The author does a wonderful job of making the beautiful setting of Hawaii come to life through her descriptive narrative, which made me feel like I was actually there, and immersed in the stories. In book one, ‘Try Easy’, we are in 1968, and introduced to heroic surfer, Keoni and tourist, Lou, in a slow burn vacation fling romance. Then in ‘Try Me’, the steamy romance involves a fake relationship, between champion surfer Declan Bishop and Pearl who is determined to become the first famous female surfer. In ‘Try Right’, a friends to lovers romance leads to souls mate finding each other. Claudia was a famous Hollywood actress, but now she can only get a bit part role in a tv series filmed in Hawaii, along with fearless stuntman Henry. Henry agrees to help her find her first true love, a heroic surfer that she met, but as the couple get closer, maybe he’s not Claudia’s soul mate after all. Each of these enjoyable and engaging retro romances are standalone stories, but do have some crossover characters. These heartwarming stories had me hooked from start to finish, and I felt transported not only to the heat and beauty of Hawaii but also to the 1960’s, by the added historical details. The characters are well defined and the chemistry between the couples comes across in the narrative, and I was cheering them on hoping they would all get their HEA. I definitely recommend this box set, which had me happily turning the pages.
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 Gordon2022-08-31 15:39:172022-09-02 12:18:28The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This box set is meant to ‘binge’. It contains the first three books in The Aloha Series. I have to say that this is a bingeable box set. It took me two days to read, which is faster than how I usually read. All three books are based on finding love and happily ever afters. I love all three so much but for very different reasons. The first book was Try Easy. This book takes place in the past. It focuses on the romance of Keoni and Lou. Keoni is a surfer and Lou is a tourist. This book has a will they or won’t they feel. It tells of natural chemistry between two people who are fighting it. I truly enjoyed these characters and this story. The second book is ‘Try Me’ it focuses on the relationship of Declan and Pearl. Both characters are introduced in Try Easy. These two are in a questionable / fake relationship but they have chemistry to burn. The third book is Try Right. Once again, it focuses on characters that were introduced in book one. It focuses on Henry and Claudia. Their relationship is one of those tales of friends who become more than friends. These books are such easy reads. I loved the relationships and how relatable they are. I also love how these books were heavily reliant on natural chemistry. They were written in such a way that you could envision yourself with them or in these positions and root on the characters. Sometimes I wanted to yell because they characters were not seeing the chemistry they had for one another. I know summer is coming to an end, but these books would make the perfect beach reads. They are set in Hawaii and reading them would be the perfect end of summer read, in my opinion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-08-31 15:19:142022-09-02 12:17:27The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Christine Baranek
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful thriller. This is a new author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. This is a well written story about a spirit reaching out through a painting. Is it real or is it a voice from the past? I enjoyed how the author brought the story to life using details to make the story realistic. The characters are creative, unique and relatable. They bring the twists and turns to another level. They are sitting on the edge of your seat suspense. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and just hard to put down. This is a haunting story that you don’t want to miss. This is a great afternoon story that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-08-31 14:19:112022-09-02 12:16:20The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This is the first non romance book I’ve read in a VERY LONG time. And it is now in my top 5 reads for 2022. The research, time and care that went into writing this book resonates through every line. What was extra special about this book was that it’s a story not really told. We mostly hear about what the Jewish community went through during WWll, and easily forget that other countries were kept captives in their own homes. Michelle’s story is something really special and extremely eye opening. The way that her faith carried her through this trying time is something I will always remember.
This is a must read for any Historical Fiction Fan!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2022-08-31 02:36:282022-09-02 07:23:36The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Jenique Bornman
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