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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jenni Bishop

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma and her partner Jeremy are back doing their thing as super sleuths in Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes. This is the fourth book in Kimberly’s YA historical adventure. Make sure you read the books in order as they follow on from each other and if you don’t you will miss out on the back stories of the characters.

Set in the 1880’s in Chicago the pair find themselves embroiled in another suspense mystery, this time with bank robbers and a train crash.

Notebook Mysteries is a for those who are a bit of a sleuth buff like Nancy Drew and those who love a good mystery.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Jennifer Reimer

Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Series #1)Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was instantly mesmerized with this story and how detailed it was. The adventures in it kept me reading more and having a hard time putting it down. I personally love any story that contents anything with Vikings and historical events together. It really makes for a great story when you’re reading from someone else’s thoughts and ideas of what the events could have happened. I Love the Norse mythological elements in the book. The supernatural aspect of the story really put a twist into this story but was so memorizing. I really enjoyed this book and extremely enjoyed it. And really can not wait to read the next one.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fourth book in the Notebook Mysteries, Emma and Jeremy are in a train wreck just outside of Statesville and find out there is a mystery to solve. Throughout the book, they end up working on several mysteries both together and apart. The story is a fast-paced rollercoaster as Emma finds herself in one situation to the next. If you haven’t read the previous books, this one reads fine as a standalone. I found this cozy mystery a fun reading appropriate for a young adult audience. There is plenty of knife fights, gun battles, dangerous actions, tender reconciliations, lost love found and restored, and threatening thugs! There is also a fabulous recipe for Heidesand, German marzipan butter cookies included at the end of the book! Like the previous books in the series, this story is a quick, fast-paced read with Pinkerton’s thrown in the mix.
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rachel Moss

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good read! This was a great addition to the series and it starts off with a major bang! Because of that this book felt so fast paced, adventurous and energetic. It kept my attention and didn’t want to let me go. I liked this one a lot, it may even be my favorite! This was great story with a great series. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait for the next one!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rachel Moss

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries book #3)Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good read! The storyline was enthralling and interesting and the characters were loveable, ones you can connect to. This series (and this book) can be read a standalone but it does help to read the previous books, because of certain character introductions. By one complaint (that seems to prevalent to all the books) is that the time goes back and forth in each story. I feel like it gets a bit confusing at times but other than that that’s my only complaint. This was a very gripping, cozy YA mystery story!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unexpected Outcomes is the fourth book in the Notebook Mysteries series, set in the late 19th Century. In this book, investigators Emma and Jeremy work on cases involving valuable artefacts, missing spouses and dangerous workplaces.

I particularly like the interesting bits of history that are included. I learnt a lot, and it added to the detail of the story.

There are some great supporting characters in this series, and it’s great to see them develop as the story goes along. Jake is a particular favourite of mine, and it was good to see him and his camera making a return!

Another thing I enjoyed in this story was getting more of Cole and Ellis’ backstory. That was really interesting, and added depth as I wondered how it was all going to resolve.

This is another five star read for me! I’d recommend reading the series in order – Unexpected Outcomes throws you right into the action and it’s good to already be familiar with the characters and their world. I’d recommend this to all fans of historical mysteries!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by May Leadstone

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries book #3)Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a whirlwind of a story! Emma and the team definitely know how to keep you on our toes from one mystery to the next. Chicago is brewing with population, unemployment, and violence issues around this time and you can see them vividly in this novel. In this environment, it’s unlikely the Company and Pinkerton’s stay still for long! I felt like I saw more action here than in the previous novel, but I did enjoy watching Emma grow and mature in this part of her journey. Especially with her friendship with Thomas and Jeremy, her family, and her business! Emma is still someone I would love to be friends with or have in my corner no matter what. Though there were a few scenes I felt didn’t need to be included as they slowed the story down. I would definitely recommend it to young adult readers. There is a hint of romance but nothing detailed as we have seen in other books. It is tastefully done and doesn’t cross that line detail for young readers.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Paula R Sayers

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down!! I was on a cruise when I began this one and finished it on the way home. It was so good!!! Emma and Jeremy are in a train wreck and find there is a mystery to solve. Throughout the book, they are working on several mysteries both together and apart. I love the characters who have become friends during this series.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by May Leadstone

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve entirely enjoyed the Notebook Mysteries series and it just made me happy to pick up a book and go sleuthing with Emma and her gang! Book 4 is definitely my favorite out of the series! The maturity of Emma’s character and her sleuthing skills comes full circle in my view! Previously she always had to have a hand in what was going on, but as she grows older she learns to take a step back! (I feel this is very realistic and relatable!)Her hard work is definitely paying off with that she is getting noticed and making headway for women that aren’t domestic! GO EMMA! The relationships within this book, both platonic and romantic are the type we should strive for: supportive, communicative, and trusting. This took the character’s time, but I loved their journey here! I truly enjoyed the plot twists and turns she places throughout her novel but sometimes I find myself asking why did this go here? (This is most likely a reader/distracted with a toddler issue) The writing is amazing throughout, and the world just envelopes you from beginning to end! The author exposes the YA Reader to the history of the late 19th century with a twist of modernism and creates a story that is intriguing and enjoyable in some of the roughest times of the period.

The start of the novel is the best beginning to date for me! You are hurled into action, and intrigue, and just like Emma trying to take stock of what on Earth is going on!! The late 1880s are seeing Emma just grow into her skill set and the reader just can’t put this book down when she is on the case! I had to reread the last couple of pages of the previous book, but it had no connection. The way the author writes you definitely feel Emma’s emotions during this novel (as well as in previous) from frustrating to surprising situations her cases turn to the new figure that has brought drama into their lives! From trains to knife fights against the odds to kidnapping to thievery cases we see how the gang maneuvers to ensure the success of the case. I found absolute delight in the back story of Ellis and Cole, with Ellis being involved in possible intrigue! I don’t know why but it was one of my favorite bits of the novel! The whole group dynamic is tested in this novel, and you can just feel the intensity of staking claims and testing boundaries through all the characters!

Highspeed Trains, Knife fights, cases that bring drama for everyone, family drama what can make for a better novel?! NOTHING! Please read this series and enjoy!

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Notebook Mysteries – Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jules Herbert

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know I have said it time and time again but I will keep saying it, over and over because this YA mystery series absolutely deserves as much praise as possible for its creative storylines. The captivating writing talent of this author easily transports the reader back in time so much so that you really feel as though you can see everything around you and all that is happening.
This book has so many elements to it from train crashes and fights, too I guess you would call it family drama, as well as the expected mysteries to solve, that you are kept hooked from start to finish. There are plenty of twists and turns to add to your captivation as well. Do yourself a favour and read not only this amazing book but the entire series! This book can be read as a standalone but why do that when you could read them all.

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Notebook Mysteries – Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jules Herbert

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries book #3)Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Vibrant Emma is back for the 3rd book in this wonderfully written, engaging YA series that is simply not to be missed. I know I have said that before but I will keep saying it, over and over because this series deserves praise for its creative storylines and the captivating writing talent of it’s author.
With each book you are so easily transported back in time that you really feel as though you can see everything around you and all that is happening so vividly.
Emma has so much happening in this book! Of course a case comes along as it always does for her, with kidnapping, murder and secrets she will be kept busy. Add to that a totally surprising inheritance and you have a fantastic story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the series not only for background but for your enjoyment!!!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Baker

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series shows now sign of slowing down at all. Each new book is just as good as the last and I find myself pulled right back into this world. I always enjoy reading about Emma and the cases she works on. They are always fascinating and really easy to engage with.
This author has created an interesting and lasting series that has really caught my attention. I always can’t wait to read the next and in find them all to be exciting. This is another great story and I am looking forward to the next instalment.

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The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Piper Foster

The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Letter Carrier is my first book by K. C. Lewis. This was a refreshing book which takes place in France. Am amazing coming of age story about WW2. This book really conveys how faith can be someones salvation. It a very emotional read which is based in a true story.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series to help your enhancement of the characters. This is one of my favorites in this series. This is a well written story about Emma and her adventure in solving mysteries. In this story her case and Jeremy’s case entangle each other. But things are not what they seem in either of their cases. It leaves both of them evaluating their own lives. This is a great story that I really enjoyed and you don’t want to miss what happens. This is an engaging story that is hard to put down. The characters have great growth and just add to the story. I enjoyed how they were able to pull me into their story and had me coming back for more. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series for Emma. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Carr

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and this one is just as good. I live how the characters of Emma and her partner/lover Jeremy’s characters have grown and developed through this series.
This story starts off fast paced and has you gripped with the pair of them on the hunt for theives when a train crash derails their plan and mission. Can Emma and Jeremy keep their eyes on the target or will the theives escape?

Once the return how that isn’t the end of their adventures when both of them are set on cases where nothing is has it seems and when the past comes back to Jeremy’s life what effect will it have on everyone around them, including Jeremy, Emma and Emma’s Dad.

This is one mystery that you won’t be able to put down and you will keep reading till the end to find out what happens.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite characters is back! Emma continues to solve mysteries in this fourth installment of the Notebook Mysteries series. This is the perfect series for anyone who likes Historical Fiction, mystery, intrigue, action, and so much more. The two main characters have a great chemistry, and it makes for a smooth ride of a story. This author hooked me from the beginning with vivid imagery that pulled me right into the action alongside Emma on her adventures. Like the installments before this, it is a quick, fast-paced read that will only leave you wanting more. I highly recommend checking out this series and book for anyone who just loves to get lost in a good story.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book immediately begins with the excitement of a train wreck, and doesn’t slow down until the end. Solving cases is what Emma and Jeremy do best. However, this book hits close to home with events from the past that affect the whole group. I really enjoy reading this series. Very well written and I love that recipes are included at the end of the book. Very clever.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Shelly Kittell

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Emma woke suddenly, feeling like she was falling. She reached out for Jeremy, and then everything went black.” This is one of my favorite authors for young adult mysteries. Emma is such a brave and strong young woman. She is not afraid of much and will take risks that most won’t. Her investigative skills are fantastic. Her little black notebook has many secrets that are broken. The characters in are so well-developed. You can feel the interest between Emma and Jeremy. The opening of the book will grab you and not let go until you are finished. I also love how the author writes several subplots within the story (plot twists, if you may), and they end up fitting like they were natural. This is book 4 of the series and it just keeps getting better. An enjoyable, quick read that young sleuths will love.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Series Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins

🦋 ~ 🦋 ~ 🦋 ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ 🦋 ~ 🦋 ~ 🦋 ~
Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins
Genre – YA, Historical
Page Count – 331
Cover Designer – Miblart

Chicago, 1887 – Events start suddenly for Emma.  She and Jeremy are chasing bank robbers who hope to stay hidden in a train wreck.  Injuries and death permeate the environment as she struggles to get help from a nearby town.  Will the robbers evade capture?  Will Emma and Jeremy emergency unscathed?

Home again, there’s time for things to settle down to normal though Emma never wants to settle for normal.  She looks to the newspaper for new cases.  When one of these starts to take up all of her time, she asked Jeremy to step-in on a second case.

Both become entangled in the two cases with both of them offering the other support as needed.  Emma’s case involves a murder and a missing husband.  Jeremy’s case involves child labor and possible sabotage.  Things aren’t as they seem in either case.  Tough decisions are made and they made Emma and Jeremy reevaluate those around them.

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

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Series Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins

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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.

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Angela Hayes

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Kara Shieldmaiden of Fire is the fourth book in The Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista. This fantastic series has well and truly pulled me into the exciting adventures, and this fourth instalment continues all the action we have been following since Book One. I love how every new addition to the series helps to build a bigger picture, adding even more detail, depth, and development to what has come before.
As this action-packed saga is full of historical details, Vikings, battles, violence, danger, Norse mythology, paranormal/supernatural elements, emotion, challenges, mystery, suspense, intrigue, and lots of dramatic developments.
As I have mentioned previously, and what makes this story/series so engrossing, is the fact that Jay Veloso Batista has a real gift for telling an epic story- with an attention to detail that sets the scene so fully that the reader becomes part of the story and involved in all the action.
Jay Veloso Batista weaves a wonderfully detailed and descriptive story, with lots of clever touches that succeeded in keeping me glued to the pages, reading avidly to discover what would happen next. I am fully invested this saga now, thoroughly enjoying the journey that the author, and characters, are taking us on. This story wouldn’t be the same without these interesting characters, or the fantastic worldbuilding that Jay Veloso Batista has mastered so brilliantly. Can’t wait to see where we go from here!
Bring on ‘Marauders in Jotunheim’ – Book #5 (coming soon)!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Jay Veloso Batista.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Barbie England

The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is based on the real life experiences as seen through the eyes of Michelle Naget. Ms. Lewis did a through job in interviewing Michelle for the details in this book. The story started with the attacks by Germany on France during the second World War. The Naget family first has to flee their home. When they return a few days later, nothing will ever be the same. The Germans began controlling not only the small village of Braquis, where the Michelle’s family live, but even invade their home. Michelle’s step-father (Father) works in his tool shop. Mother teaches Michelle various domestic duties as they are made to serve the different German military officers that have dominated their home throughout the war. Eventually Michelle also must take on the duties of the village’s PTT (which is basically like a mail carrier). Through all the horrors of war, Michelle does the best she can as she tries to survive all the tragedies she had to witness every day. This story was both heartbreaking and captivating.

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Misfortune of Vision: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga (Druid’s Brooch Series Book #4) – Review by Angela Hayes

Misfortune of Vision: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga (Druid's Brooch Series)Misfortune of Vision: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Misfortune of Vision is the fourth book in the Druid’s Brooch Series by Christy Nicholas. This is a historical fantasy- with prophecy, religion (Christianity vs Druidism) adventure, magic, drama, mystery, aging, challenges, folklore, and fantastic world building. I have said it before, and I will keep saying it over and over again- I really love the attention to detail and vividly descriptive storytelling that Ms. Nicholas excels at- it brings her stories to life and makes them very realistic, believable, and entirely immersive.
As with the other books in this series that I have read, this is really well written, intriguing, and engaging. The story pulled me in and kept my attention right from the beginning. The character/s are complex, fully realised individuals who were cleverly crafted. The story was given an extra element of interest by making the main character Orlagh quite old. Her “life experience” was immediately recognisable and gave her a realistic and relatable quality, even by today’s standards. Things like struggling with daily tasks, getting tired easily, having to rely on others for help, how her body has changed as she has gotten older, experiencing the loss of family and friends who have passed on before her, and feeling her mortality as she acknowledges that her remaining time is limited- are all things we still deal with I our modern world. I found it difficult to connect with Declan though, and I’m not entirely sure we were meant to?
I haven’t read the books in this series in sequence- instead picking books by random- thankfully each book is able to be read as a standalone- but I have read enough of the series now to see a lot of interconnected details, a thread of sorts that runs through the entire series. I can see a link between books in the series, as we travel through time- and am appreciating the ‘bigger picture’ that is being built.
Looking forward to continuing the series!

Thank you, Ms. Nicholas!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Misti Maggio

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire, the fourth book in the Forerunners series, kept me just as captivated as the first three. The preface was helpful, even having read the other books recently. Once again the world building, and mix of fact and fiction, was phenomenal. The author did a fantastic job with keeping the characters true to themselves in this book. I highly recommend this series!
Reviewed by @mimimadge

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Whether you love American history, anthropology, the 19th century (late 1800s) or young ladies who defy expectations eruditely, this book series is a win. If you grew up reading the American Girl books, this series builds on reading styles you already enjoy. If you’re an adult choosing books for a younger reader, this series is similar to 100 Years of Solitude in its narrative construction, character development, and world-building – except of course you’ll already have learned 140 years of history about the places.

Book 3 left us with Jeremy & Emma reuniting at the port in New York after a learning opportunity with THE Pinkerton agency.

Book 4 finds us solving problems without the use of our (21st century) technology. If this is your first time reading about Emma’s adventures, you’ll soon be up to speed with her ingenuity and talents. If you’ve been reading the whole series, you won’t be disappointed – your girl Emma is even better in this book! The Pinkertons continue to give us new (to 1880s) detective skills and interview techniques.

Tags: Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes, Notebook Mysteries Series, Kimberly Mullins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Historical, Cozy Mystery

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Whether you love American history, anthropology, the 19th century (late 1800s) or young ladies who defy expectations eruditely, this book series is a win. If you grew up reading the American Girl books, this series builds on reading styles you already enjoy. If you’re an adult choosing books for a younger reader, this series is similar to 100 Years of Solitude in its narrative construction, character development, and world-building – except of course you’ll already have learned 140 years of history about the places.

Whether you read book 1 (Emma) or not, this book will set you on the right path for some midwestern excitement in the late 19th century. Far from the rural Wisconsin and Kansas surroundings of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s youth, urban Chicago of the same era is a different undertaking all-together.

In addition to learning about Emma’s day-to-day work as an investigator and the growing knowledge of crime-solving, Ms. Mullins provides readers with delightful recipes with well-written instructions (and modern measurements thankfully!)

Emma is a character whose gumption and grit, persistence and integrity set her apart. She’s at once a heroine and an ingenue. It helps to keep a dictionary nearby while reading.

Tags: Notebook Mysteries, Decisions and Possibilities, Kimberly Mullins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Historical

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries book #3)Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Whether you love American history, anthropology, the 19th century (late 1800s) or young ladies who defy expectations eruditely, this book series is a win. If you grew up reading the American Girl books, this series builds on reading styles you already enjoy. If you’re an adult choosing books for a younger reader, this series is similar to 100 Years of Solitude in its narrative construction, character development, and world-building – except of course you’ll already have learned 140 years of history about the places.

Emma is our spunky heroine – back again for more adventures leveraging her inheritance to figure out crimes in 1880s Chicago. If you’ve had to read Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle in history or literature class, this book series might not shock you as much as if you’re coming to it from a less graphic perspective.

Tags: Notebook Mysteries, Changes and Challenges, Kimberly Mullins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Historical

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Alison Risher

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am obsessed with the books in this series! From the setting to the characters- I truly enjoyed all aspects of this book. Although part of a series, each book begins with a recap, which is helpful, even though I have read all the books in the series. I look forward to more books from this author!

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series with a passion that burns within my heart! I can never get enough of the adventures this series takes me on, this one was no different, I was swept away with all this book brought to the table, and how the adventure that has been established, just grew into something even more legendary!

As always i loved this author’s writing, and how talented and creative the words that you read on the pages bring the story to life in the most amazing ways! This book specifically had a lot of character development, and I loved it concentrated on Kara. She brought her own spiciness to the table! The story progressed at a good pace, and you got to be intrigued and learn more of the adventure and the characters that it circled around! I loved this book from start to finish! Perfectly written! Loved it with all my heart!

The whole series is amazing, and this book alone brought a lot of awesomeness to the table I will say. i could not put this down, I was really swept away! Highly recommend this must read book and series!

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Megan Watson

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ermagherd!! What a way to leave me!! This book is a little more intense than its predecessors. I nearly choked on a gasp I wasn’t ready for and I gasped a lot. Fabulous writing!
This book may have “Kara” in the title but it isn’t solely focused on her like Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse focused on little Finn. And oh man! I thought everyone was split up before; but now, they’re even more split up as war comes and revenge seeking volvas exact a plan. I really loved the split view between Midgard the Realm Between during the war. Seeing the myths in action was especially epic.
My heart is weeping for all of the loss that happened in this book and I will be ANXIOUSLY awaiting the next book to see where all of the Agneson clan ends up next.

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The exciting adventures, of the now scattered, Agneson clan continues in this fourth novel of the series, and it’s as enjoyable as the previous ones. This epic series set in the Viking Age, but with added fantasy elements, is yet again brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline mainly focuses on Kara, who is fleeing an arranged marriage, and with dreams of becoming a warrior, she escapes across the narrow sea. Kara gains a place within the king of Dublinn’s ranks, but must prove her worth, and soon she realises that, being a warrior is not what she expected.
Elsewhere, Cub has joined Rollo’s horde in Britany, having escaped from slavery, and his outlawed brother Sorven, is fighting for his life in the Welsh mountains. Meanwhile, Uncle Karl and his warriors rally to Harald Tanglehair, in the hopes of unifying the wild kingdoms of the North Way. Young Thorfinn has been left safely behind, secure in a tiny fishing village, or so everyone thinks, he has in fact been kidnapped by an 8-armed giant!
It’s nice being back with the main characters from the series, as they feel like old friends now. I would recommend reading the books in order, for a better understanding of the characters and the plot. As usual the historical details add to the sense of time and place. This is a real page turner which had me gripped, and I’m looking forward to book five.

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