What a story! I thoroughly enjoyed every second if this book – it was definitely a page turner. It had quite a few themes running through that separately I enjoy but thrown together it made for an exciting and engaging read. The pace was fast and so easy to read, you could easily put it down and pick it straight back up and not have to try and remember what you had read previously. I love Alyssa, she is just so full of fight, determination mixed in with a bit of curiosity – she was such a great character to read about. I liked that the author had clearly researched the era in which she set this story because (although I can’t be sure) I would imagine the historical information was fact as it certainly seemed to read that way. This is book 2 in this series and although I think it could be read perfectly well as a standalone I would recommend book 1 also as that was a great read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2022-06-24 13:30:502022-06-26 11:14:02The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Katie Matthews
We meet up again with Thorfinn in the second book of The Forerunner Series and this time there is trouble with a capital T. The entire family is at great odds with invading factions, strange occurrences at sea, and fighting at the homestead. We find Finn out to sea with his Uncle Karl, the crew, and a troll that lives on the Verdandi Smiles (his uncle’s ship). He once again can travel between worlds, but this time learns much more about the different worlds that he is a part of. Cub, his brother, and Ange, Finn’s father, are away at war against an enemy and fighting fiercely for their lives. Finn’s mother and the rest of his family who lives at the homestead are being invaded and have gone on the run. Whew, so much going on and no I will not tell you how it ends in this book, but I can say that you are in for a wild ride! I am absolutely in love with Thorfinn and can really understand and feel his pain and hardships. The characters are so wonderfully developed and created with such feeling and compassion. The descriptions of the people, places, and events really jump off the page, especially in the description of the battle. Not only was I able to see the scene in my head but also able to feel and smell from the great description that was provided. The historical aspects really shine through in this masterpiece, and I cannot wait for the 3rd book in this series. I love reading all the poems and stories as told through Jormander their storyteller. I love the historical references and the ancient lore associated with the people and world of the past. Pick it up and read it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Driskillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Driskill2022-06-24 12:33:232022-06-26 11:13:38The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista- Review by Stephanie Driskill
Though listed as a fantasy and with some fantasy components this book I’d say far more heavy on historical fiction. If you want to learn about the Vikings and the 9th century with a little fantasy tossed in this is got you. The Vikings are about to go to war with the Saxons… in a multi pov you learn about Cub and his father against Alfred the Great…. Get a glimpse of domestic life with Kara as she flees her home with her mother and siblings and fulfill your wish for fantasy genre wit .Finn the spirit walker and his latest opponent! There is so much detail in this story the Author makes you feel like you are living it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2022-06-23 21:45:152022-06-26 10:57:32The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Melissa Saxton
Holy Viking adventure! This book really immerses you in the time period by delving into the surroundings and the way people lived. It was hard to connect to the characters, but I think that is because I did not realize this was a second in series when I picked up, so it was pretty clear that I am missing some background. None the less, the adventure was still easy enough to follow and there was plenty going on in the story to keep you interested. While not my typical read (very much a historical fantasy), I enjoyed the book and will be picking up the first one to see what I missed. Perhaps I will even continue with the series! If you are a fan of Vikings, historical reads, and adventure, definitely give this book a shot!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashleyann Sanabriahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshleyann Sanabria2022-06-23 20:15:562022-06-26 10:50:13The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Ashleyann Sanabria
It is the year 878 and the story of Thorfinn continues as he comes to terms with his forerunner status and everything that goes with it, but it isn’t smooth running, his brothers won’t come near him and rumours are spreading about him, so he goes to sea with his Uncle Karl on his Viking ship. Not everything goes to plan for him and he ;earns that he has to earn his passage on the ship, so he completes a quest for the mast troll when they pull into the last port before heading out to sea, this quest takes him under the estuary waters where he has to face a Kelp man and his nuggles.
Meanwhile, war has broken out with Wessex and the Agneson Clan have been called to march with the Great Viking Horde to face them, so all the able bodied men march towards the midlands and heed the battle cry, this includes Cub as he has now come of age and can join in the menfolk as they uphold their fealty to their Lords.
Back at home, the rest of the women and children of the families are keeping the homesteads running smoothly and awaiting news of their friends and family, while preparing for the seasons and the tasks at hand. For the youths left behind this includes training and chores, that is until one night when the Agneson homestead is attacked in the night, as a blood feud is acted upon through retaliatory action.
As all this happens, other nefarious plans are in the works further North where a werebear plans their revenge against Karl’s crew and the villagers they helped, but they are not alone, a dark elf has joined with them and strengthened their magic and fuelled their desperate thirst for vengeance.
Will the Agneson Clan succeed in their fight against the Danes of Wessex and return home? Can the womenfolk of the clan defend their homestead against the blood feud they are in the middle of? Will Thorfinn succeed in his quest and defeat the Kelp man and his nuggles? Will the clan of were-beasts and their dark elf complete their quest for revenge? This is another epic fantasy adventure in Danish England for the Agneson Clan as they face their trials and tribulations in this tale of magic, blood and family values which will keep you hooked from the start.
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 Lesieur2022-06-23 16:55:252022-06-26 10:45:47The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series Book 2) by Jay Velosa Batista – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This was an incredibly challenging book to read! There are quite a few levels to the book, understanding the scenery, characters, etc, which makes for a super interesting, original story! I am interested in finding out more about book one and filling in the background of the story. Great development and interesting characters in the book. This is one book that would be amazing to see on screen!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Phillips2022-06-23 09:11:362022-06-24 14:18:52The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Ashley McMillon
This addition of the Agneson Clan adventures doesn’t disappoint! The Vikings are called together to defend their way of life. Agne and his oldest son, Cub, are called to battle and thus leave the family homestead. Gurid is left to defend the homestead with Kara and Sorven in her husband’s absence. Thorfinn has left with his Uncle Karl to fulfill his uncle’s oath to return for his men. As the men prepare for battle, Cub learns the ins and outs of battle. A blood feud comes to the homestead and the family is forced to flee to extended family for protection. Thorfinn finds himself dealing with a mast troll, a kelp man, and a dark elf that feeds the were-bear man his uncle must fight. Can the family survive the many trials before them? Will the Vikings succeed in their push for life to stay the same? Can Gurid get her family to safety before the blood feud catches up to them?
This is an exciting book! I did not want to put it down until I found out how things turned out. So many things are happening all at once that I couldn’t help but be sucked into the year 878 and feel immersed in Danelaw England’s struggles. I really like this series!
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 Ottinger2022-06-23 07:17:272022-06-23 08:28:37The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Desiree Ottinger
This is a historical mystery set in British Colombia. This story has all of the makin’ of whodunit. It has danger, crime, investigation, and plenty of secrets to boot. The characters are fully developed and complicated. There are a group of brides, that is mail-order brides, who have found themselves in a gold mining town. Alyssa is part of the mail-order brides who looks for the locals to assist in her murderer’s investigation. She is hoping to gain peace in her town. You will have to read to see if she succeeds in her investigation.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2022-06-22 19:20:152022-06-23 08:05:26The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Erica Fish
This is my first book from this author. I really enjoyed reading this. I was hooked from the very beginning. It is the second book in the series but it was a great read. I will definitely be reading the first book also. I loved all the aspects the author used in this book to make it come to life. I felt like I was right there in the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jerricka Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJerricka Brown2022-06-22 14:21:352022-06-23 07:53:44The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jerricka Brown
Isabella: Bride of Ohio, American Mail Order Bride By Debra Parmley 5*
This is a very well written historical fiction novel. Isabella is a new immigrant to America from Sweden and sadness is all she knows in this new world. She arrived at Ellis Island with her parents, who were struck with an illness and had to quarantine upon their arrival. Unfortunately, they never made it off Ellis Island. She obtained work in a factory, however, it soon burned down and she was without a job. She finds a job as a housemaid when a friend brings her a mail order bride magazine, filled with notes from prospective men who are looking for brides. She begins to correspond with Mr. Jenks, a man from Ohio who promises her the life she has always dreamed of. She is promised a big house, with beautiful gardens and a white picket fence. He is saying all the right things and she is excited to travel to Ohio to meet him. He sends her the money to travel to Ohio to meet. While on the train, Isabella is nearly abducted by men who wish to traffick her. A man she met on the train comes to her rescue. He says that he is not quite a constable, but he works with them. The chemistry she felt with him was undeniable and she cannot help but keep wishing that he had swept her of her feet and kissed her after rescuing her. She keeps finding herself daydreaming about him. However, she can’t stay focused on him long, as she has promised herself to Mr. Jenks and he is waiting for her when she gets to Ohio. When she meets Mr. Jenks, she is overwhelmed by the urgency in his presence. He cares all about what she looks like and how she presents herself to his world. She finds herself agreeing to marry him and married all within the first week of meeting him. She feels that Mr. Jenks never heard her concerns or what she wanted. She was disappointed that she was unable to wear her mothers wedding gown as this is all she has ever dreamed off. And she was not allowed to carry her fathers Bible as it was deemed as too old looking. Soon, Isabella feels that Mr. Jenks is changing before her eyes. He is becoming angry and quick to dismiss her. This isn’t the marriage she had dreamed of when she responded to his advertisement. She also can’t tell if she is beginning to imagine his coldness toward her. No one, not even Isabella could ever imagine what the future holds, however. The relationship between Mr. Jenks and Isabella is the focus of this book. I have to say this book was very good. It did a great job portraying what I imagine the emotions are in being a mail order bride. It also did a really good job exploring complex relationships. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-06-21 21:57:402022-06-22 08:39:50Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Christine Baranek
Hard to follow at first with all the different names and story line changes. Once you get to Thorfinn’s adventures it becomes much easier to follow. I am by no means a history buff, but the book seems to be historically accurate in regards to the Viking culture. Thorfinn must concur the curse that was set upon him through his grandfather’s misdeeds years before. The Raven hopes for Thorfinn’s success in removing his own curse. The magic elements make the very historic world-building much more enjoyable and entertaining. You can tell the story is left open enough for a sequel to continue, hopefully the next book is just as enchanting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kylean Sprostyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKylean Sprosty2022-06-21 20:46:572022-06-22 08:31:05Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Kylean Sprosty
The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke. This is the story of Alyssa Chalmers who is travelling to British Columbia in 1862 to be a bride. Alyssa is not exactly a happy bride she is very reluctant so she is investigating everything. When there is a murder all the other brides to be come to her to get information. The victim is the Hotel owner at the Prospector’s town “Run’s End”. In the middle of the investigation there is a Small Pox outbreak and 2 men vying for Alyssa’s attention. This story will keep you turning pages until the very end. I was shocked at learning who the murderer was so be prepared. Fun filled romance, murder, mystery and love!
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 Treadway2022-06-21 08:13:542022-06-22 07:59:05The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Tausha Treadway
The year is 1899. During her final year at Colorado Springs High School, Cora Croft finds herself uncovering a mystery involving Nikola Tesla and his secret projects. After the loss of three important documents detailing new, ambitious devices and the unusual death of his previous assistant, Tesla is ready to pack up the lab and return to New York. Cora offers to help uncover who is behind the strange circumstances so Tesla can remain and finish his work.
With help from the charming Harrison, and life-long friend, Marshall, Cora toils against time, the elements and social constraints as she works to unravel the mystery, exposing more than one secret in the process.
Danger stalks Cora, can she survive?
Uncover the clues in this fast-paced, exciting mystery set in Tesla’s famous secret lab. A perfect read for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco and Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury.
Praise for A.D. Brazeau: “The whole story ‘came alive’ before my eyes, and that comes down to the authors talent for spinning a great story.” and “A.D. Brazeau has quickly become one of my most relatable authors.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ADB-MitLR-CCMbk1-1800x2700-1.jpeg320214itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-06-21 00:01:552022-07-20 23:12:35🔎 📙 •☕️•📕 🔎 COMIMG SOON 🔍 📙 •☕️•📘 🔍 Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
Isabella Bride of Ohio (American Mail-Order Brides #17) by Debra Parmley is an historical romance- a bit of a romantic suspense with drama, danger, and adventure. After the death of her parents, Isabella has tried to make ends meet- but it hasn’t been easy, and luck certainly seems to be against her. She is left with little choice but to apply to be a mail-order bride. So she sets off on her long journey to secure her future. But along the way her safety is threatened when she becomes the target of a kidnapping plot. What happens? You will really need to read all the intriguing details for yourself. While I did enjoy the story, I would have liked to have read a longer version, as I felt that the character development, chemistry, and connections needed more time to develop and ‘grow’. I think with a little more length, this story could be elevated to an even higher level. Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Parmley does next… Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-06-19 21:13:402022-06-20 07:38:50Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Brides #17 by Debra Parmley – Review by Angela Hayes
Their parents have arranged the marriage. But, when Isabel discovers who her intended is, it becomes apparent that he’s on the wrong side of the Wars of the Roses.
As a knight with honour, surely her father would not sacrifice their family to the House of Lancaster. Yet, to her horror, he insists upon the union with Sir William.
15th century England is perilous – betrayal and ruin are only ever a heartbeat away. And death hides behind every door. Can Isabel survive and be a good wife, even when she’s married to the enemy?
Adventure through Medieval England in this intriguing story of love battling against all odds.
This is a stand-alone historical romance which contains an abundance of marital bedchamber antics.
The fictitious tale of a knight’s daughter, living life as it very well may have been.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Love-in-the-Roses-SMALL-853x1280-1.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-06-19 00:05:032022-07-20 23:15:21❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ COMING SOON ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ Love in the Roses (Love Through the Ages Book 1) by T.L. Clark
What a great, cozy little historical murder mystery romance novel to spend my Saturday enjoying! Alyssa and several of her friends have travelled from Australia to Canada in the hopes of finding husbands. They depart from the boat and start learning their way around Run’s End when the hotel owner is found murdered. Alyssa would much rather be a sleuth than to be married and she’s running around trying to solve this murder. Meanwhile, the other girls are marrying off and making a life for themselves. Will Alyssa find her happily ever after or will she remain a sleuth?
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were very loveable, the writing fairly plain (although there are a couple of scenes that I felt might have been abandoned), and there was a great balance of mystery and romance. I was not aware that this was the second book in this series so this can definitely be read as stand-alone but I’m going to go back and read the first book!
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 Johnson2022-06-18 17:20:142022-06-18 19:20:26The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Julie Johnson
I enjoyed reading this historical romance story. This is my first story by these authors which I look forward to seeing what is next for them. This is a well written story about Isabella and her mail order bride marriage. She has not had the best of luck lately. She loses her parents and her job. Now she is hoping that this marriage will change her luck around. What will happen when these two meet? Will they fall in love? I really enjoyed what these two brought to the story. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and just hard to put down. They are connectable and have great chemistry together. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read as it keeps you coming back for more. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
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 Wagner2022-06-18 07:33:552022-06-18 19:09:07Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Isabella, Bride of Ohio is a historical fiction story of a Swedish girl who recently moved to America. Her family moved in hopes of improving their life. The trip to the U.S. was a hard one and sickness took Isabella’s family and left her on her own. Just as she started to get back on her feet events once again changed everything for her and left her struggling to find a living and yearning for something that will last. The answer to her problems? A mail order bride advertisement. In hopes of finding a little home in the country and something of permanence to build her life on, she signs up to be a mail order bride and soon finds a man that seems to have everything she hopes for. A stable position and a nice house in the country where she can take walks and enjoy the garden. Isabella strikes out on her own once again to meet the man and see if they build a life together. I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story and it kept you guessing. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, the story took another turn. I am a big fan of historical fiction and have read many mail order bride stories. I can usually guess what is coming long before it happens, but this story took some turns that had me pleasantly surprised. The only thing I didn’t like, and my reason for taking away a star, is that while the book is supposed to take place in the 1800s, there were little things that didn’t follow that timeline. Part of the enjoyment of a historical fiction book is seeing the difference in how they had to do things before they had the luxuries that we have. This story has the main character tum rning on the faucet to run a hot bath as if it was the norm, but indoor plumbing, while it did exist, was not common practice until around 1920. Other than my nit picking about these little things, this story was fantastic and I would definitely recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torey Fosterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorey Foster2022-06-17 18:17:002022-06-18 18:42:13Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Torey Foster
Isabella has recently arrived in Massachusetts by way of Sweden. She finds work in a textile mill, which burns to the ground shortly after she starts working there. Not sure where she will go or what she will do next, Isabella and a group of her friends start looking at ads for mail-order brides. Isabella starts writing with a man named Donald Jenks and it’s soon decided that she will meet up with him. Having already faced a lot of tragedy in her life and hearing her grandmother’s warning about how bad things happen in 3’s, Isabella is a little apprehensive about this trip to Ohio to meet her likely future husband. He sounds great on paper…has the perfect house, a great job, good life goals…everything a girl who had nothing could desire. Will this be her picture perfect marriage?
I love reading mail-order bride books!! They are some of my favorites. In a way, I liken it to a more modern trend of internet-brides….one of which I am! I met my husband online and we dated for a short time in real life before marrying. I went through similar emotions that Isabella experienced, only in a more modern time frame for sure.
There were a couple of unexpected twists in this book but ones that made the story much more relatable and realistic. The characters were very well developed and likeable (well, most of them were…). I understand that this book is part of a 50 book series. I’ll have to read some of the others in this series!
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 Johnson2022-06-17 10:14:272022-06-17 14:23:40Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Julie Johnson
This is the second book in the series. I enjoyed it a lot. Great character development and wonderful descriptions of the world in which you are taken to. With this being a viking fantasy book, you also get a lot of realistic parts as well. It’s a good mix in my opinion. The ending will definitely leave you wanting to start the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2022-06-17 05:35:132022-06-17 14:18:24The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jamie Truex
This is a wonderful story that easily held my interest. I love mail-order bride stories as they are from a time that seems so foreign to me now. Yes they are fairly predictable but the chance these women took is amazing. In here we meet Isabella who is young in age as well as maturity. Her adventure begins and she goes through a few ups and downs including some scary moments especially once married. I could feel her desperation and worry but she was resigned to make the best of it.
Overall this is a good story that I enjoyed. It isn’t flashy or highly emotional but its everything I would expect from this type of story. I connected with Isabella as she struggled through on her journey. This is a first time author for me. The writing is good and the flow is nice.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2022-06-17 05:34:202022-06-17 14:17:31Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Lisa Helmick
What a wonderful historical murder mystery romance book! It was such a great quick read and hard to put down. Alyssa was my favorite character from the start and the author did not disappoint in her story.
To think that this group of girls left their home country to basically be mail order brides for these men in the Canadian frontier. The trials they endured. The author wrote it so you are basically following their journey and finding themselves. Everyone finding a purpose, even Alyssa at the end.
The author wrote it so that it’s not a male character who turned out to save everyone and I loved that! That she wrote all the female characters as strong people. This will not be the last book of hers that I read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Devon N Pulliamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDevon N Pulliam2022-06-16 19:10:202022-06-17 11:04:29The Prospect of Death (An Alyssa Chalmers Cozy Mystery) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Devon Pulliam
This book brought on the perfect balance of romance, as well as excitement. I did not expect this book to be intense as it was at times! The characters were very fulfilling and brought a lot to the table! I loved all this book was and is the author had a very talented writing skill which I very much enjoyed!
Reading this book, I felt I was transported through time, and I felt I was right there. I loved the author’s descriptive words they used to describe the time frames and how things went about. I loved that the danger and excitement went along with Isabella’s hope and dreams, where sometimes if something is too good to be true, sometimes it is. I loved how this book went about, it was not a plot you could guess easily of what would happen! It kept you curious and in anticipation! Loved it!
Wonderful writing and I was hooked right from the first page truly! I was intrigued and could not put this one down! I loved it! Highly recommend it, and it’s a must read and for sure not one to be passed up!
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 Huisman2022-06-16 18:59:532022-06-17 11:01:04Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Lord Hani returns in this his final mission for the royal household and this may just be his most difficult yet, he has been summoned before Queen Meryet-amen to discuss her plans to find a Hittite groom to rule on the throne beside her once the she-king has passed on, she has hopes that she can rule instead of the current she-king’s son, Prince Tut-ankh-aten. There is however, strong opposition from Lord Ay who is wanting his grandson on the throne, no matter what the cost to the rest of the Two Lands, this leads Lord Hani to conduct his mission in secret and hope that Lord Ay doesn’t find out, or that if he doesn’t, that it is too late for him to do anything about the situation.
As he is about to set off, Lord Hani receives word that a local artisan has been killed and it looks like it could be murder, but because he has had the go ahead to travel to the land of the Hittite people, he cannot investigate it himself until he returns. It is a long way to travel and weeks pass on boats and on land with the gifts and the delegation sent along with them from the Queen, but thankfully, the trip goes well and Lord Hani requests the correct permissions with grace and diplomacy which aids his cause and the furtherment of the Queens plans.
When they arrive at the capital of the Hittite kingdom, they are astonished and the size and the manner in which it has been built, so when Lord Hani is brought to have the requested audience with the King and Queen, he is not shocked by the grandeur of the receiving room, only the reaction of the royals. As negotiations progress, Lord Hani is doing his best to convince them that this request is serious and legal and it takes all his finesse to be able to carry it off, however, there are conditions and when he receives correspondence from home, he is hoping that he is doing the right thing after all.
Will Lord Hani be able to convince the Hittite King and Queen that the Queen of the Two Lands is finally wanting an alliance, or will the threat of civil war in him homeland threaten all he has worked for and place himself and his family in more danger than ever before? This is a historical mystery which is full of tension, emotion and negotiations and the future of two countries lies in a delicate balance where one person could tip the scales between disaster and success in this story which will sweep you on a tide of intrigue and keep you hooked throughout, until the final conclusion of this series.
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 Lesieur2022-06-16 16:39:342022-06-17 10:55:45Pilot Who Knows The Waters (The Lord Hani Mysteries book 6) by N. L. Holmes – Reviewed by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Lord Hani returns and has been enjoying his role as a scribe working from his home, rather than going on long trips away like when he was a foreign diplomat, however, he has had a tumultuous few years doing it and although he has tried, he hasn’t had the easiest time keeping his feelings towards the King’s regime private, however, when he is summoned to his superiors office, he has a feeling that things are about to get dangerous again. The meeting goes in a different direction than he expected though when he is told he has a new assignment in Kumidi, but he also receives the news that the King Akhenaten wants to honour him with a title and a promotion, Lord Hani is speechless and so just about manages to accept his assignment and give his thanks for the notification of his new honours and status. When he returns home to spread the news, it is received in good spirits, although, it is also accepted with apprehension because of the past few years and how the change of regime has affected his family and friends, however, when the day comes, they all rally round to congratulate him and celebrate.
It is not long after this that he heads north to make a start on his assignment, he is hoping that it will be straight forward, however, when he receives news that there has been a murder of a foreign diplomat where he is being sent, that becomes the priority in his investigations as he doesn’t want to offend the other dignitaries and cause any more of a problem. When he arrives, he begins investigating immediately and interviews the commissioner who is based there, as well as the rest of the murdered diplomat’s party, he finds that the information given is not much and he gets even less from the servants, that is until a key piece of evidence is stumbled upon by accident.
This leads to Lord Hani finding that an event from his past is connected to this event in the present in the most bizarre and shocking way, so he has to somehow find justice for both, but will he be able to do this and keep his conscience in tact at the same time? This is another historical mystery which keeps you hooked throughout as past and present collide to reveal another tangled web of intrigue which has to be unravelled for the truth to be found and you will be carried along on the tide of the investigation until its conclusion as well.
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 Lesieur2022-06-16 13:44:302022-06-17 07:53:39The North Wind Descends (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 4) by N. L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Lord Hani is back again as has maintained his role as a royal scribe despite everything which has happened over the last seven years and this year, the King is holding a Great Jubilee of the Aten, a celebration of his rule and that of the Aten over the two lands, this is an unusual occurrence this early in a King’s reign, however, this King enjoys the processions and fanfares of celebrations and this one is no different, the sun is beating down on the crowd and nobody is comfortable, so Lord Hani leaves as soon as he can. As the celebrations continue with feasting, gift giving and religious festivals, Lord Hani is called upon again to conduct an investigation, however, this time it is a series of tombs which have been robbed and this crime is one of the most unforgivable, so Lord Hani knows a lot is at stake.
As he starts to look into the robberies, he discovers a deeper plot within the machinations of the group suspected, however, Lord Hani can understand why the local workers may have been led astray when he sees the conditions in which they are living and working, however, information and evidence is not forthcoming. Lord Hani being the compassionate man that he is, goes back to see one of the people he has interviewed and this is when he finds out that someone else is investigating the robberies as well, however, this other person is doing their best to undermine Lord Hani while doing whatever it takes to get a quick closure, but all is not as it seems when Lord Hani finds out just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
As he digs deeper into the mystery, Lord Hani again becomes the centre of attention and is being surveyed, however, the danger is coming from all around him and again he worries about just whom he can trust in the Royal Hall of Correspondence. Will Lord Hani be able to find the evidence he needs to solve the mystery of the robberies before anyone else is hurt, or will he succumb to those trying to stop him? This is another tangled web of a mystery which will lead you along a twisted, but intriguing path with a series of clues which will hook you in to solving the mystery at the same time.
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 Lesieur2022-06-16 13:24:422022-06-17 07:47:51Scepter Of Flint (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 3) by N. L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Debra’s story is one of many in the American Mail Order Bride series. Isabella Bride of Ohio is not your typical mail order bride romance. It is an historical romance suspense story with a twist. There is drama and angst, mystery and intrigue, fear and danger and assault. This quick read gives us insight into the choices or should I say non choices that a lot of single women had to face back in the late 1800s. It also details historical facts for that time which was interesting. The characters are likeable, well most of them as there where a few I wanted to do physical bodily harm to but I needed something more. I did feel that the chemistry could have been fleshed out a bit more but all in all it was an interesting read.
She has gone from being taken and abused to an arranged marriage with a man who shows his true colours to be an abusive man. Will she get her HEA?
If you like historical romance give this one a go.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-06-16 12:17:532022-06-17 14:08:12Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Jenni Bishop
Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley. I LOVE this series! This one is just as awesome as the previous ones. This one is the story of Isabella who along with her family come to the US from Sweden. Isabella lives with 3 women who all work at the same factory she does and they find out about a way all these women are getting married. Mail order brides, she has heard of other women doing it and so she applies. She gets matched up with a very wealthy man named Don so she travels on the train to Ohio with the money he sends her. While she’s on the train a couple of bad men decide they are going to kidnap her. During this a man named Tom ends up saving her. She and Tom hit if off. She continues on to become Don’s wife. Will she change her mind about marrying a stranger? Will she make it to Ohio in one piece. Read this awesome book to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-06-16 11:56:512022-06-17 07:05:03Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is book 17 in the American Mail order Bride Series. These books are romance stories but this one is so much more.
In this book we follow Isabella’s story. After moving to American with her family her parents pass away leaving Isabella all alone. Needing to support herself she takes a job at a mill until 2 weeks later that burns down. Now with no way to support herself she hears about becoming a mail order bride and sees this as her way out of her situation. She writes to Donald Jenks. He is looking for a wife and seems like the perfect match for her. However looks can be decieving and the face he shows the world hides a dark person within.
On her journey to retch Donald Isabella meets Tom. When she is almost kidnapped Tom rescues her. But who is he? Will the be the only time he comes to her rescue? And what is this feeling Isabella feels when she is around him?
This book is a romance but not in the way you expect. It is also full of secrets and lies and has a story that will keep you gripped to the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-06-16 09:14:542022-06-17 07:02:06Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Kerry Carr
This is a heartbreaking and beautiful romance book that will give you all the emotion feels. Isabella is a young lady that moved here from Sweden. She is working in a factory that burns down. While deciding what to do next, one of the other ladies suggests becoming a mail-order bride. She decides to take a chance. Well, it turns out to be a crazy ride and a very dangerous adventure with lots of drama. Two men have come into her life. One she promised to marry. The other rescued her from bad men. Will she make the right choice. I loved this book. Isabella was a delight to read about. She could have been anybody with the hard choices she had to make. She could have been a little sister you would worry about. Even being fiction, making a trip from Sweden to the United States was an amazing trip. Such a well written story. Fantastic story, engaging from page 1 straight through until the end. I love a clean, wholesome story that reminds you that God works in all ways. I’d love to read more of these. I highly recommend this to those historical romance lovers.
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 Kittell2022-06-16 07:35:542022-06-17 06:59:04Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Shelly Kittell
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