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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third novel in this series and we’re back with Sparky, the plucky eleven year old amateur super-sleuth. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series and this historical cozy mystery, set during the 1930’s in Los Angeles, had me hooked once again. Sparky is determined to prove that his boss Bookie who is a crook is not a murderer. She wants to convince the police that he’s been framed for the murder at the ratty tourist trap, Monkey Island. Sparky also has to cope with going back to school and being forced to volunteer for the police. She will be working for top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie, but it’s the police station’s bunny who gives Sparky an important clue.  Meanwhile, back at Sparky’s home, the Creepy House and her guardian Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert are preparing for an audition, which could revive Tootsie’s career as a silent movie star. The quirky characters and fascinating settings came vividly to life due to the description narrative. Whilst the historical details transported me back to the Prohibition era. Once again, Sparky is a likeable and relatable character, who I felt engaged with throughout the intriguing story. I love the humour along with the mystery element of the storyline and I was gripped throughout.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed “The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery” by Rosalind Barden P. This lighthearted, humorous mystery is perfect for fans of 1930s-set mysteries with a touch of whimsy.

The story is full of colorful characters, including Sparky’s guardian, Tootsie, a former silent movie star; her assistant Gilbert, a.k.a. the goblin; and various eccentric suspects and allies. Then there is “Sparky” herself, as she says, her crook name because Ambrosia Brown doesn’t suit her (her real name). The characters are well-written and memorable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

The mystery itself is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The author does a great job of weaving together clues and plot threads, keeping me curious until the very end.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its unique setting. The 1930s Los Angeles setting adds a fascinating layer of historical context to the story, and the inclusion of Prohibition-era gangsters and flappers adds to the atmosphere.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is another great adventure of Sparky. It is always nice to get to see more of this character. She is feisty and always interesting to read about. Her latest adventure is just as intriguing as the others. She has to find a way to prove Bookie was framed for murder. But with so much going on around this, it definitely turns out to be a tough challenge.
This is a well written mystery story with a fun and quirky character at its centre. The book (and the series) is truly enjoyable to read and I look forward to each new book that I start. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have so enjoyed this series. Part of my enjoyment comes from it being set in the 1920’s. It was such a different time back then. The speech, the people, all of it was so unique to us in this current time period. Not to sound like a cliche but Sparky is one of the most spunky characters I’ve met in a book this year. For a young one, she’s got the fear but she’ll protect her people and usually finds herself in trouble. This book is a wonderful mystery. So many little twists and turns make it a fun read. I like books like that. I’m bored if I can figure out the killer in the first little bit. The story is so well done. The detail and the characters really make you feel the history as you’re reading. It’s an enjoyable read. I’d recommend for lovers of historical mysteries.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Tausha Treadway

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden. This is such a fun series about a young orphan girl named Sparky. She lives in Los Angeles during the depression and she was formally a street kid but is now living with all kinds of different characters. When her boss is accused of murder Sparky realizes she has to solve the case to save him. With all kinds of craziness happening while trying to solve the murder Sparky puts herself and others in harms way. Will she be able to solve the murder before another one happens? Such a fun mystery for young kids. The writing is so well done I felt like I was living in LA during the depression!

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Alison Risher

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sparky is a hilarious little orphan who solves crimes. She lives in Los Angeles. Formerly a street kid, she has been taken in by a group of interesting people. She is forced to go to school, or “the big house,” as she calls it. She champions the underdog, sometimes at her own expense. Don’t miss this latest of Sparky’s adventures!

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Anantha Rusum

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book thinking it is a easy read but was surprised to see the richness of the setting and the twists and turns in it . Eleven year old Sparky is supposed to be at school but when her boss gets entrapped in a murder case , she simply cannot let things be . When she sets out to solve the mystery one thing leads to another , and there is mayhem everywhere . Set in the depression era , this historic cozy mystery in Los Angeles has vivid descriptions of the societal norms and practices prevalent in those times . The characters are quirky and storyline is complex. Overall a very enjoyable read .

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Italian American by Luigina Vecchione – review by Emily Jensen

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a continuation of Greetings From Asbury Park, continuing the story of Jack and Mariella – the soldier who met his Italian bride during WWII.

In the continuation, he’s taken her home to Asbury Park, and Mariella must learn all the nuances of American culture and struggles a great deal about the whole process. Through making friends in her neighborhood, to dealing with Jack’s mother who does not like her, to having her children and figuring out the American ways of childbirth are nothing like the Italian ways, Mariella thinks she finally has a foothold in this whole American thing… Then she’s called home to Italy, and everything she thinks she knows for sure about her life are questioned and new fears are unlocked.

The only problem I had with this book is how neatly it wrapped up. I wanted more story to devour!

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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione – review by Emily Jensen

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I mostly loved because I just love historical romance novels. This is a sweet story about Mariella, an Italian with a huge family, falling in love with an American soldier during World War II. She’s lost so much already, and so when he goes back to America and writes about his engagement, she assumes she’s lost him, but fate has other plans for both of them.

While it was a very sweet love story that had a lot of stakes involved, I also loved how they showed the humanity of both Jack and Mariella and where they both seemed to want the both for themselves, their families and their countries and also showing the hell that war is for everyone involved, no matter whether they’re on the front lines or not.

I was so glad this book had a sequel!

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so wasn’t ready to let go of Mariella and her family’s story so I was grateful for this 2nd installment. I have always found it fascinating how immigrants brought so much to their new homes especially in the mid to late 20th century so this story really intrigued me. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story swept me away right from the start. Mariella’s story gives a true insight into how many everyday Italians and others around the world had to fight to survive during World War 2. Neighbours spying on each other, very little food, the list goes on. Do yourself a favour and read this book!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210680162-italian-american” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1712083018l/210680162._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210680162-italian-american”>Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21894769.Luigina_Vecchione”>Luigina Vecchione</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6598238823″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This story continues from Greetings from Asbury Park and picks up 9 years later. The war is over, Jack and Mariella are married and ready to start their new lives. Even though is pains her, Mariella moves across the ocean to be with her husband in a country where she knows nobody. When she gets a heartbreaking call she returns to Italy, but will she be able to leave her family again? It was hard the first time, but a second time will be devastating. This was a great continuation of Jack and Mariella’s story. Even though this is a series either book can be read as a standalone.
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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60886985-greetings-from-asbury-park” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1650982037l/60886985._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60886985-greetings-from-asbury-park”>Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21894769.Luigina_Vecchione”>Luigina Vecchione</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6598210530″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Like many young people back then, our main character, Mariella, has to be mature beyond her years. She meets a nice young GI, Jack, who has very little time left to spend in Italy. He is about to shipped to Japan but they make the most of their time. Before he heads off they exchange addresses and a promise to keep in touch. Will they be able to endure the time and distance? I enjoyed the characters and how this story was written. The characters are very likeable and their story draws you into their world. I’m looking forward to the continuation of Mariella and Jack’s story.
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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shannen Kern

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this book as I didn’t think it could be as good as the first one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong because this book absolutely surpassed my expectations. I truly loved Jack and Mariella in the first book, so I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve even further. There was even more emotion, turmoil, and drama included, so prepare yourself in advance! You may be able to read this as a standalone, but I think it would be a mistake to miss out on the background of Jack and Mariella. They’ve been on quite a journey before this story, and while the author tries to provide as much information they can as a catch-up, it can only contain so much. I highly recommend this book and this series, so pick it up and get lost in a historical romance for the weekend!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shannen Kern

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a beautiful and emotional story! It is set in World War II which is apparent in the way the author portrays amazing imagery with their words. The character development is quite incredible as they are relatable even from a different time period. Mariella is a teenager, but like so many during WWII, she was forced to be very mature for her age. Jack is a nice soldier that gives her hope until he gets stationed far away. While my heart felt squeezed through many of these pages, I still highly recommend it. If you enjoy historical fiction with romance and drama, please pick this up and give it a chance! I am eager to read the next book in the series.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Kerry Carr

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional story about one woman’s journey leaving the home and family she loves and moving to a different country to start a life with the man she loves. I didn’t realise this was a second book, however the author does an amazing job with the story that it can be read as a standalone and still appreciate and understood.
My heart went out to Mariella as she struggled to find her way in this new world, struggled to build relationships, struggled with challenges that faced her. Despite all of this is her strength and resilence shone through.
Even though you could feel the pain and sadness over her missed family and home she always tried her best to love forward and be the best wife she could be for the man she loved.
When she has to return home she is faced with reminders of her reasons for leaving. Faced with the decisions she had made Mariella is again forced to choose between the family and her home Italy or returning to the man she loves and the life they are building together.
I can’t imagine being in that position of having to choose one or the other.
This is a very emotional historical story which will tug at the heart strings but also shows how one woman’s strength and determination and resilience can change and shape their live.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Finn Cunningham

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American by Luigina Vecchione was a very much anticipated read for me! After reading Greetings from Asbury Park, I just had to know how Mariella and Jack continued their story! While the author does a beautiful job of connecting these two books, you could definitely read this as a standalone but I would definitely recommend them both! Emotions were all over the place while reading this, but it was absolutely worth reading through the tears! I cannot wait to see what else this author has for us!

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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Finn Cunningham

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greetings from Asbury Park: A WWII love story by Luigina Vecchione, was a wonderful read. I absolutely love historical fiction, and anything to do with Rome, so of course I picked this up! A beautifully crafted story of love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. The characters emotions and interactions were so vivid it was as if Mariella was sitting beside me, telling me herself. A truly beautiful book, that I honestly wish I could experience for the first time all over again!

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an epic historical romance which held me captivated throughout. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative along with the added historical details made me feel both immersed in the story and transported back in time to WW2. Main characters Mariella and Jack are so likeable and relatable that I felt invested in their journey. Mariella is living in Rome and has had to grow up quickly due to the war, having been denied an education she has had to care for her siblings. Mariella is also haunted by a horrific childhood trauma, and then the Germans occupy Rome. Along with the other Italians she then lives in daily fear whilst starvation and brutality have become normal. Mariella is dreaming of a new life when she meets an American GI Jack and despite the language barrier they have an instant connection, but they only have one day together before he ships off to Japan. Although they promise to keep in touch they are both aware that anything can happen during a war, but they will both try and get back together once the war ends, if they both survive. This really is as the blurb says, “a gripping, romantic, and emotional novel” and the mix of the storyline, the characters and the historical elements all had me gripped from page one. Life for the Italians in Nazi occupied Rome and the horrors they suffered really came across in the narrative. However, despite it being a difficult read, emotionally, at times the overall feeling of hope and the pursuit of true love makes this a heartwarming and inspirational read.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully detailed historical romance which kept me captivated throughout. Having met American Jack and Italian Mariella in the previous book I was keen to continue their journey, however you can happily read this as a standalone story. The storyline picks up nine years after Jack and Mariella’s fateful meeting in Rome, and now Mariella is ready to leave her beloved city to start a new life with her husband in America, but it means leaving her family behind. Having arrived in America Mariella has to cope with a disapproving mother-in-law and gossiping housewives, whilst Jack is working nights at the restaurant so she is not even spending time with him. Moving into their own house in Wanamassa Gardens is a new start for Mariella and she starts to settle into life in America and as their family grows the couple are hopeful for a better future. However, Mariella is soon called home to Italy having received a heartbreaking call, and once back she has to confront the decisions which led her to cross the Atlantic. Mariella struggles with having to say goodbye to her family for a second time but if she stays and does not return to America she will loose the life she always wanted with her husband and children. This really was a tale of “hope, sacrifices, and the unbreakable spirit of women who shape their destinies”. I was hooked throughout by this enjoyable, emotional and engaging story. Mariella and Jack are such likeable and relatable characters and I felt invested in their journey. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life whilst the added historical details transported me back in time. I felt fully immersed in the story and found it hard to put this book down!

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Greetings from Ashbury Park (Jack& Mariella Book 1by Luigina Vecchione – Review by

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How beautiful is this cover ?! I’ll be honest this was a very hard read and more than once I put it down because it was just to hard to read and I had a tough time processing it but it’s a period in history that cannot be denied and this is based on a true story so I had to honour these beautiful people so I pushed cred through and was rewarded with a tragic but beautiful story 🥰😢and I reread the dedication and that was my inspiration to push through , thank you for sharing a beautiful love story , it gives me hope 🙏

Also one reads of German occupation in most of Europe but I’ve not read much of how Rome and it’s people were affected so this was also informative, despite heartbreaking

So we’re in Rome and the war is hard and nobody is safe from the Germans and their hatred of anyone different ….

Mariella is the oldest child in her family and they rely on her heavily to help and she makes many a sacrifice and she still has guilt that she is burdened with unnecessarily …..

The Americans then come to liberate Rome and that is when Mariella meets Jack who is Italian , they spend one night together and agree to be pen pals when he heads back to USA and as life return to normal their lives moon on Jack is engaged to Lauren and Mariella is dating Lorenzo and both relationships have their flaws ….quite frankly their current partners are quite shallow and snobbish 🙈 so opposite from who they are and their life experiences 😢

Jack goes back to Rome determined to find his Mariella and convince her of his intentions but I don’t think she needs much of it 🥰 this really was a love story that stood the test of time and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for theses two beautiful families that are now united in marriage 🥰

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this cover even more than the first one because I know the journey Jack and Mariella had to make to get to this point where they now are and the dedication had me in tears because it’s just so beautiful and I loved the picture of a smiling Mariella 🥰

After finishing Greetings from Ashbury Park I could wait to see what the future had in store for these 2 beautiful families joined by marriage 🥰

Ok so opening chapter is already breaking my hart but at the same time it reminds me of a life well lived of an intentional love and a beautiful family , it’s life’s full circle …..

Jack is back in Italy and has come to fetch Mariella now that her visa is ready , it’s been 7 months and the reunion is sweet 🥰 the farewell from Mariella’s family had me howling like she was one of my own , letting your children go is no easy task and it must’ve been daunting for her as well , new country , new culture , new language but she has Jack do he’s her calming beacon 😉

They move into their own home and start their own family , friendships are formed and despite strained relationships with her mother in law and jacks’ along hours at the restaurant their love remains strong and let’s not forget the meddling ex and the gossiping housewives 🙈😡I wish they would stop and take the time to get to know Mariella they’d realise how much time they wasted on being mean and appreciate the gem she is and the love she had for her family .

When her dad takes ill she and kids go to rime and Jack at one stage fears they won’t come back and I think it’s partially the fault of those gossip mongers and again their love prevails the obstacles thrown their way …..

This was definitely one that made me grateful for my family and respect the decisions and sacrifices Mariella had to make , another hard yet beautiful read and I just want to thank the author from my heart for being so real , vulnerable and honest and for sharing her family with me 🙏❣️

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read the first book , Greetings from Asbury park . This book is a sequel where nine years after , the loving couple are in America . Mariella has left her family in Rome and she has to adjust to the new life in a new country. Jack’s mom isn’t welcoming either . Will she adjust to the new life ? This story treads on a familiar territory of people who move places and have to always go over that uphill task of adjusting to the new place , new culture and new traditions.

I did not read the first , but I thoroughly enjoyed the sequel . I might go back and pick up the first book now .

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series Book #3) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Angela Hayes

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

The Monkey Island Murder is the third book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series by Rosalind Barden. I have been enjoying this cute historical cozy mystery series which is set in the 1930’s and follows Sparky, the spunky, street smart, precocious tween (11 year-old) FMC on her mystery solving adventures.
Sparky has had some interesting adventures/cases over the course of the series, and this one sees her thrust into some trouble, mischief and mayhem when her ‘boss’, Bookie, is implicated in a murder. Working to prove he has been set up- Sparky puts her detective skills to the test- which results in a fun read.
From murder, to set ups, antics, mobsters, Sparky’s movie star guardian, banter, investigation, and a little mayhem made for another intriguing and fun mystery/adventure. The South Seas Shenanigans (Book #4) will be the next adventure for Sparky (due to release early October 2024). Can’t wait to see what she gets up to there.
Again, as with the rest of the series, the story contains all the historical detailing, language, sights, and societal norms that you would expect from that era- it is richly detailed, and the descriptions are quite ‘visual’, adding an extra element of interest to the story/series. The characters are many and varied- but all are quirky and quite ‘colourful’ individuals. The author definitely did a great job of bringing her characters and story to life.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Rosalind Barden!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American is the story of Jack and Mariella, after their marriage and Mariella coming to America. I did not know it was a sequel, and now I am very excited to go back and read book 1- where it all began. I decided to read the book just off the cover art- it pulled me in. The story begins as Mariella and Jack’s daughters are adults and asking their mother to tell her story of being a young Italian bride coming to America. The story reads like a memoir- very realistic and filled with details and feelings. We hear the first hand struggles of learning the American language, being a foreigner after WW2, and the feeling of being torn from your family in a time without cell phones. I fell in love with the characters and the story telling. I look forward to the prior book, and more from this author.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Julie Johnson

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Another great read as this is a continuation of Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story. This second book may be read as a standalone. The author does a great job of catching the reader up on the events of the first book.

Jack and Mariella are finally in the US. It’s not the easiest transition for Mariella as she’s left her family behind in Rome. Jack’s mom isn’t the most welcoming mother-in-law either. Mariella struggles to find her place in the US, while severely missing her family. Will she be able to find a balance and happiness in her new life?

This is another emotionally tugging read that you won’t want to put down!

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Julie Johnson

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I’m a fan of historical reads, those set in the WWII area, and ones that have a bit of romance. This is the perfect combination!

Jack and Mariella’s story tugged at my heart strings just a bit. There story isn’t necessarily original but it’s their story and it matters. This author did such a great job of weaving the story, that it was as if I was there watching it all play out in person. The emotions are raw and real and you’ll find yourself not wanting to put this book down until it’s finished!

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Ayla Eddy

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An emotional read that draws you in from the beginning. The main characters Scoob and RC are easy to connect with how well they are written. We meet them in a time of their lives where they are trying to survive. Scoob wants to become the next famous jazz player and finds herself being dragged along with RC on an unwanted roadtrip. The end of this trip leaves them in a small town far from where they started. Stuck here the new dam in town breaks causing chaos in the wake of this. I could not put the book down needing to know what was happening to the siblings next.

How does all the chaos end? Pick up this emotional read to find out.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59056941-a-patriot-s-tale” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Patriot’s Tale” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1632357018l/59056941._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59056941-a-patriot-s-tale”>A Patriot’s Tale</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14954026.Nicole_Pierman”>Nicole Pierman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6576015036″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Set in the era of the Revolution in America around South Carolina we meet and follow the very turbulent story of Lily Thompson, whose family are dead and she feels the pull to join the Militia. and fight for what she believes.<br />Lily is willful and unlike many of the time will not be cowed and subdued in her behaviour, she works for what she believes.<br />The character growth is really good and those Lily comes into contact with fall deftly onto one side of the war or the other.,their personalities really show through. The world of the time is well written and descriptive. And as an English person, seeing things through this descriptive manner is very helpful.<br />Well written and I would read more by this author.<br />
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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Mary Espinoza

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Patriot’s Tale: An American Revolutionary War Novel by Nicole Pierman was a book that I enjoyed reading. This is a new author for me, and I enjoyed how she was able to pull me into world that is set during the American Revolutionary War, and she did a good job at setting the scene from the start. Nicole was able to put a lot of thought and time into the development of the characters and the parts that they play in this book. This is about Lily and her determination to overthrow a British captain due to the fact that this Captain plays a big part in the loss of her brother. Lily is the main character that has a lot on her plate between the death of her brother and what she is dealing with at home from her family. As far as Lily is concerned, the Redcoats are the enemy, and they need to go down for what they have done to her brother. Lily finds herself being held captive, then has to join a spy ring, and has to find a way to help all of those that are struggling just to survive. I really enjoyed the way that Nicole brought Lily and her story to life, Lily brings so much to the plot of the story and Nicole captured all of that wonderfully. Lily is a strong, determined character that brings inspiration to the women of the story. Nicole did a great job at bringing the historical aspects to the tale of Lily as well as developing Lily into a strong, independent character. I look forward to seeing what else Nicole has to bring to us, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book and getting lost in the story of Lily and all of the adversity that she has to face!

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Mary Espinoza, June 2024