Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and I have read many books on WWII but this one just struck differently. I think the fact that it was based on a true story and also from the perspective of an ordinary French family in German occupied France during the war years all just gave it a unique twist! I learnt things I never knew and became so invested in the Naget family’s plight that I just couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gillianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGillian2022-08-20 21:52:232022-08-23 07:53:34The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Gillian Fawell
This was a great story! And a great continuation of this series. While there is a very detailed prologue that explains the events up to book 4, I still highly recommend reading the first 3 books to get the full experience. This was a very enthralling book, and very detailed like the other 3. I really enjoyed getting to read more of Kara! She is definitely a favorite character of mine by this point. I can’t read to read the next book! This series is definitely moving up on my book lists as a favorite!
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 Moss2022-08-20 20:21:482022-08-23 07:30:55Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Rachel Moss
This is an absolutely beautiful read that was well-researched. I found this book to be very moving and historically accurate.
Michelle and her family are trying to escape before the Nazis take over when they are re-routed back home. However, not all the family members are allowed to return home. Even when they do return, it’s not really home as the Nazis have overtaken everything and made the Nater family their servants in all things.
I can’t imagine the horrors of raising a family during this time in history, not knowing from one moment to the next if the family is in danger or being protected. Young children had to grow up at a remarkedly fast pace and see things that I hope no one, child or adult, would ever have to see.
This is a beautiful read and one that I hope will be well-loved by many!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-08-20 16:28:462022-08-23 07:29:00The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Julie Johnson
Excellent! I believe everyone has a story and it needs to be told. I just love how the author put this all together. This story is full of struggle, sorrow and redemption. It was a fast read and it grip your heart with every page. Thank you for sharing this story with us all.
Excellent! I believe everyone has a story and it needs to be told. I just love how the author put this all together. This story is full of struggle, sorrow and redemption. It was a fast read and it grip your heart with every page. Thank you for sharing this story with us all.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2022-08-20 09:59:582022-08-20 14:33:14The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Nina Maes
5 Stars Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista
Kara, Sheildmaiden of Eire is the fourth book in the Forerunner Series and I absolutely loved reading it. This is a wonderfully written Historical Fantasy that will take you on quite the adventure. From the first page I was eagerly waiting to see what adventure we were going to be taken on. I’ve enjoyed this whole series and its definitely on my re-read list. I highly recommend reading this series in order as it will give you a better understanding of what is going on and you get to know the characters better plus each book is just as good as the last . This story is packed with everything from Vikings, to warriors, time travel, magic and so much more. I love this authors attention to detail and his ability to make you feel as if you are a part of the story. The characters are simply amazing and each one is strong and willing to do what needs to be done Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure and be prepared to be on the edge of your seat at times. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next and I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
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 Daughenbaugh2022-08-20 06:49:012022-08-20 14:31:14Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
The Prisoner of Paradise is a fast-paced historical thriller. This is the first time I have read anything written by Rob and I found myself immersed in the story. It is a tale that takes place between the present and the past, in 16th century Venice.
Rob cleverly pulls together intricate threads to weave a tale with fantasy and magical realism. His vivid narrative transports the reader in time and place as we explore not only the beauty and wonder of Venice with its colour architecture and picturing serenading gondola rides but also the lesser-known dark, secret and seedy side.
The story is compelling and the plot is clever and complex as the danger and suspense grows, I was unable to put it down.
There are secrets and lies, a powerful and secret Order that are dangerous due to their beliefs and actions. With a painting that is not what it seems, a voice from a very distant past, soulmates from another time and past lives; Rob has given the reader a tale that will have you intrigued and wanting more.
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 Bishop2022-08-19 18:18:362022-08-20 14:17:49The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jenni Bishop
A gripping dual timeline, historical thriller, set in Venice, both in the present day and in the 16th century. I was hooked from page one by this novel and could not put the book down! Nick and Julia O’Connor are having a trip of a lifetime in Venice, when Nick hears a haunting voice coming from the world’s largest oil painting, ‘Tintoretto’s Paradise’. Nick believes the voice is that of his soul mate, a 16th century woman, from his previous life. Whilst Nick is adamant that the voice is real, Julia worries that her husband is suffering from a delusion. Nick’s infatuation with the past starts to effect his relationship with Julia, as he is determined to destroy the painting in order to liberate his soul mate. Nick discovers a religious order going back centuries who developed a way of extracting people’s souls, which they then imprison in Paradise. The order have judged thousands of souls, sentencing then to eternal purgatory. In order for Nick to free his soul mate, he must destroy the painting. However, by freeing her he would also be allowing all the other souls to be reborn, and the order will never let that happen. This has a intriguing storyline which I thoroughly enjoyed, at the heart of this thriller is a love story which lasts for centuries. The descriptive narrative really brought the setting of Venice to life both in the present and in the past. The added historical details made me feel I had been transported to the 16th century, and the author has obviously done his research. The dual timeline element worked well, and I felt engaged with the main characters. The plot kept me happily turning the pages, and I definitely recommend this novel.
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 Gordon2022-08-19 16:38:442022-08-20 14:15:59The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Normally I do not gravitate towards historical novels that are based on real accounts, but I am glad I did! This book was so wonderful and was not at all what I was expecting to read. This book was recounted through the eyes of a small girl who tells what it is like to have Nazi’s invade their home and village for many years. There was no emotion left unturned as I read this book and could not put it down. I have a new appreciation for the author who wrote this as she went to great lengths to make this book something that could convey the messages that she did and bring what happened many years ago to the forefront of people’s mind and had it where you could imagine what it was like being in their shoes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-08-19 05:33:162022-08-20 13:55:36The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
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?
My favorite book of the series! I’m also sad the series is over. This series is a perfect one for re-reading a lot! There was so much suspense and adventure in this book, I loved it all. I loved how vividly this author wrote, making me feel like I was right there with Emma. This author has a new fan and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.
I love books set in a historical time period. I’m really enjoying this series and book 3 is no different. The author is so creative with this series that I can’t wait to see what she’s thought of for the next book. I really enjoy how the author kept me on my toes, with something always happening. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I think you should check it out for yourself!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2022-08-18 22:48:582022-08-18 22:48:58Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by
I honestly think this series just keeps on getting better and better. It wasn’t a series I was sure I would like but I can definitely say it is one I am thoroughly enjoying. Each book is exciting and well written, with this one being just the same. I was pulled back into the authors way of writing and the characters being put before us on the page. I really become fully captivated by the story the author is telling. It is so easy to imagine and I feel like I am there. With each new book I cannot wait to start reading to see what else is to come. This is a fantastic book and a brilliant series. I would highly recommend 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 Baker2022-08-18 15:49:142022-08-20 13:30:31Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Kerry Baker
Emma is back and with her trusty team of investigators and they are as busy as always, we start with her and Jeremy chasing bank robbers across the country on the railroad, however, when the train crashes, the pair are caught up in the casualties. As they try to extricate themselves from the wreckage, they are working out where they are and how help can be arranged, so Emma goes off to find someone and when help arrives, the local town help to catch the robbers.
When they eventually arrive home, the whole family are there to greet them, but they cannot rest for long as Emma is on the hunt for another case, she consults the local newspapers and finds something that doesn’t ring true, it is about the possible murder of a woman and the disappearance of the husband at around the same time, but it is more all encompassing than she thought and has to bring Jeremy in again to help her on her other case. The other case centres around the industrial district of Chicago and the possible sabotage of one of the factories there and the more that Jeremy sees, the more he is appalled by the reactions of those around him.
As the research is ongoing and the investigations continue, Emma and Jeremy lean on each other as they are affected by their cases, they both realise just how perceptions can change the viewpoints of those around them, but will they be able to stay safe and solve the cases? This is another exciting mystery where nothing is as it seems and every corner turned brings something unexpected, as you follow along with these intrepid investigators.
Emotional, action packed, fun with a wonderful story line and great characters! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series following Emma and her sleuthing ways. The character growth throughout the series is phenomenal and will leave you wanting more. I really hate to see the end to this series come, but understand final curtains are a necessary step for every author. I wouldn’t read these books out of order as they make a larger impact together. In one word this series was BRILLIANT!
Again we are off right from the start, picking up after book two. Emma must journey to New York after receiving peculiar petition. This time she brings along Jeremy and we watch as their relationship evolves. As this author has before, there is historical references throughout and of course the interesting recipes as well! I really have loved this series and am looking forward to the final chapters in the next installment.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-08-18 09:12:262022-08-20 13:21:41Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
This book was literally written the best that it could possibly be! I was amazed time and time again with how good the writing was, and how the story flowed ever so nicely as I read A well wroth read!
I have always been an avid history lover, and I do very much enjoy when a author can bring a historical story to life. This story alone, surpassed what I expected. It had the historical element, but throw in suspense and romance, and everything else you can think of as well! Really enjoyed the writing and how the flow went as well! I could not put this book down. I was very mesmerized very much as I read through. There was magic in this book which I loved truly, but this book held its own magic as well. The book was so freaking amazing! I wish I got to devour this book sooner! The power of this book is amazing! Loved it!
Such an amazing, powerful, gripping, and edge of your seat read! I am so happy I got to enjoy this book and author’s clever writing skills! Highly recommend this must read book, seriously you must read this!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-08-18 08:44:232022-08-20 13:19:26The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Lorrene Huisman
“Okay, then let’s prove it. Prove that it didn’t actually happen-and won’t happen again. That it’s a residual effect from the hit or when I fell. Or maybe it was a tourist. Some woman who could throw their voice.” This is one of my favorite lines in the story. Nick and Julie are in Venice on a vacation. One of the museums they check out has the painting called “paradise” and Nick swears he hears a woman’s voice coming from the painting talking to him in his head. This starts the best thriller/suspense I’ve read since The Davinci Code by Dan Brown came out. I was engaged and involved in the book right from the beginning. The story goes back and forth from 1592 to current times in Venice, Italy. With a wide cast of characters, there is something for every reader to relate to. The adventure can be intense with some twist and turns thrown in. If you love thriller/suspense, you should check this out. I will be eagerly awaiting book 2 of this series. Well done!
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 Kittell2022-08-18 05:35:262022-08-20 13:00:41The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Shelly Kittell
5 Stars Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins
Notebook Mysteries ~Unexpected Outcomes is the fourth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. This is wonderfully written story that I had a hard time putting down. I highly recommend reading the previous books in this series if you haven’t already as they give a better understanding of what is going on and you get to know the characters better. Plus they are all definitely worth the read. This one just might be my favorite yet. This is a story about Emma and Jeremy and these two solve Mysteries . But what will happen when they realize there cases might not be what they seem to be? They start to re-evaluate their own lives. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
Unexpected is spot on With every book I fall in love with the characters a little bit more. I love the history interwoven with the mystery. Emma and Jeremy are wonderful characters and they make for a daring couple. The story is an adventure layered in distrust, family drama , suspense and danger. From train wrecks to heists this book has it all. Please read this series from book one, as there is a storyline that continues throughout. Highly recommend.
An ancient order that will kill to silence the truth.
Nick and Julia O’Connor’s dream trip to Venice collapses when a haunting voice reaches out to Nick from Tintoretto’s Paradise, the world’s largest oil painting.
Though Julia worries her husband suffers from a delusion, Nick is adamant the voice belongs to a woman from the 16th century—his soul mate from a previous life. He discovers a religious order that has developed a method of extracting people’s souls, which they imprison in Paradise. Over the centuries, they’ve judged thousands of souls and sentenced them to eternal purgatory.
As infatuation with the past clouds his commitment to his present-day wife, Nick must right an age-old wrong—destroy the painting and liberate his soul mate. But freeing her would allow all the souls to be reborn.
In addition to being a novelist, Rob Samborn 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/2022/08/The-Prisoner-of-Paradise_Rob-Samborn_Front-Cover.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-08-18 00:07:112022-08-30 20:37:05The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn
Emma is such a great female lead character and in this novel we get to see her relationship with Jeremy grow. I have enjoyed reading each installment and look forward to more. It is so easy for readers to get lost in each wonderfully written story!
Emma and Jeremy are such a sweet couple (I hope we get to see their wedding in a future book). When Jeremy’s mother comes to town Emma isn’t sure of her true intentions, but eventually realizes she may be being unfair. Emma just seems to have a natural talent for knowing when to push a little further and follow her gut to find the truth. Mote mysteries solved, more family connections made, and more Emma and her adventures. With every new book in the series, I believe I am becoming addicted.
Full of mystery, intrigue, adventure and more this fourth installment really blew me out of the water. Much like the three previous books in this series you could read this as a standalone, however in doing so I believe you would miss out on some great adventures and of course more background on some of out favorite characters. Personally while the previous three were great I loved the adventure in this one. Full of murder, sabotage, danger and more this faced paced novel will definitely keep you on your toes.
Unexpected Outcomes is the 4th book in the Notebook Mysteries series. I love reading this series, the books are full of adventure and mystery. This book continued building on the same characters, with the focus on Emma and Jeremy. I like that it spent quite a bit of time on their parents and building the history of Cole, Ellis and Abbey. They have an interesting past, and I was happy to see it come full circle. The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking, so I hope there is another book to come. I wish the final chapter was an epilogue with a bit more detail to it. This book had a lot of cases involved, so it moves around quite a bit. However, they all tie together due to Emma and Jeremy and their family. The series gives us a view into the previous century, but I’m not sure how accurate it is. They send a lot of telegrams and send for carriages often, which I anticipate would be quite costly in that era. I also don’t think the police would have been so accepting in having a female civilian being part of their cases, interviewing their suspects, etc. But aside from that, I love the story and series.
Book 3 in the series brings more mysteries. Whereever Emma seems to go, Emma’s power of observation allows her to see things that others don’t. The series continues as Emma has now established herself as a strong investigator. This round she helps to find missing children, paintings, and solve the case of murdered husband. This book delves further into the complexities of being a woman in a man’s world. I really enjoyed how Emma is written in such a way that she exudes confidence and captures the attention and respect of everyone she speaks to.
Once again the book begins with stories from years prior. Emma is now becoming firmly established as her own detective and works with her sister and other friends to build and solve cases. I really enjoyed this book and found it was written better than the firs; the author finding her voice in the series. Emma is a wonderful and strong female lead who continues to show that woman can do anything. This point in further proven in both of the main cases. Entertaining quick read that is a wonderful continuation of the first book but can also be read as a stand alone.
View all my reviews
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Glaspiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Glaspie2022-08-17 20:20:092022-08-19 18:13:33Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries Book 2) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Amanda Glaspie
Book 4 of this series has been my favorite so far!!! Emma and Jeremy have been tasked with taking down a ring of robbers. They are responsible for bringing back the jewels from Tiffany & Co to the museum for an exhibit but they know that evil is lurking at every corner. On top of that, there is a murder to try to solve too.
This read holds a lot of excitement and mystery!! I love seeing Emma mature and how she is handling what could be a most difficult situation in this particular story. Can the relationship she has with Jeremy be sustained given the current circumstances??
Another great book in the series. This book feels more mature than the previous three and Emma is really starting to grow. She has always been someone that made hasty decisions without others feelings and she is learning not to do that. This book focused on one major mystery which I really enjoyed because it also allowed character development for the other characters as well. This book did brings twists but was well written. Again, this book can be read as a stand alone book but the others help this book to be elevated to what it is.
Emma is a young 18 year old lady who has a love for sleuthing! She’s always looking for a way to help out others and wants desperately to be recognized as a female sleuth back in a time (1800’s) when it wasn’t acceptable to women to work outside the home. She has some decisions to make about the men in her life and she’s not quite sure which one to choose. It will determine how her life could turn out after all! Life is also full of possibilities and Emma is excited about the prospects for her future.
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I do recommend reading in order. I am currently reading these books out of order and there are portions that are a bit confusing to me. However, the story is very well written and I do enjoy seeing what Emma is getting into!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-08-17 19:57:142022-08-19 18:09:50Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries Book 2) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson
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