A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Patriots Tale is the perfect book for anyone that enjoys historical fiction! Lily is not your average female character from the time period. It is a very interesting take on how women might have been in this time and just weren’t documented. It was a fun read and I look forward to more books from the author!
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A beautiful story of family and love. I missed reading the first book but had no issue reading the story of Jack and Mariella. Jack met Mariella years before when she was selling postcards at the Colosseum in Rome when he was stationed there. Jack returned to the states with the plan to bring Mariella to the States after World War Two. They continued to write each other and the day finally came when Jack could return to be with Mariella and ultimately facilitate Mariella’s immigration to the United States. The book takes you on an emotional ride as the young couple realize that they both need to transition to their new lives as a couple and help each other as cultural differences pop up. I really enjoyed reading the book and connected to the characters.
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Patriot’s Tale, written by Nicole Pierman, is a story set during the Revolutionary War. Lily Thompson is a young woman who has lost her only family. We travel along with Lily as she navigates her way through hurdles and challenges to obtain retribution by any means necessary for all she has lost. Lily is a little tough to side with at first, but as her strength, courage and determination begins to shine, she becomes such an admirable character. I felt this story really gained momentum quickly, and the pages kept on turning. I believe the author did a wonderful job at researching the topic and has weaved together a very interesting work of historical fiction.
Having relation to a grandfather and grandmother, who both served as spies under the command of General George Washington, this particular war and the stories around it, always have my interest piqued. I am glad I took the time to read this story and I do recommend it if you’re a fan of detailed historical fiction stories about war.
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series. However, you can read this one as a stand alone story. I recommend reading the first though. You will not miss details, but you will miss an incredible book.
The first book was filled with so much emotion. This one doesn’t differ. While the feelings and the reason for them are vastly different, you will still find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster. You really find yourself feeling so much for Mariella and how she is treated by pretty much everyone when she moves with her husband. I would go from feeling indignant, to happy, from sad, to downright angry. I really just wanted to hug her and to also, throw the book across the room.
Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a story! There is so much emotion in this story – love, pain, courage, and so much more. The author is a brilliant writer who draws you into the story as if you are there experiencing it first hand. This story felt real as I was reading it. It is based on a true story, but that doesn’t automatically make it feel real. The author’s writing is what makes it so. I could not put this book down! This is not just a love story, but more than that, it is a story of family, life and all that comes with it. All while taking place during the second world war.
<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/6571695586″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Stories like this are not what I typically read, however I enjoyed this story. Lily Thompson has lost the only family she had left, her brother. She has been on her own trying to get a family to take her on as a wars so she could join the militia and get her revenge against the red coats. She finally gets the opportunity when she happens upon the Turners. This was a fast paced and enjoyable read. I hope there is possibly a sequel about her life after the war.
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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman . This is a wonderful historical story about the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. The story follows Lily Thompson who is set to join the Militia because her family has been killed and she wants revenge on the Red Coats. Lily is so head strong and really shows what women were capable of back in the day. We see the horrors of war and even the way many women contributed to the war among the battlefields even. Fighting for their freedom men and women have to endure many things and its not pretty in the least. Lily finds love, loses loves and suffers PTSD from the loss of her family. Trying to fit into a male world and fight like a man is even harder but she tries her best. This book is written so well that I felt like I was in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Its a young adult novel but don’t let that stop you because it was a wonderful read!
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping American Revolutionary War novel which had me hooked throughout. It is set in South Carolina, during 1778 as the war rages on. We are introduced to the strongly determined and independent Lily Thompson, who is not going to let the fact that she’s a girl, stop her from joining the fight against the British. Lily takes on the guise of a man and joins a raid against the British army only to be captured and held for ransom. Following her release Lily takes advantage of the British captain’s growing infatuation, seeing it as a weakness. She joins a local spy ring in order to help the militia’s overthrow him, but this means Lily having to play a dangerous game of intrigue. The author does a great job of setting both time and place, and the descriptive narrative and added historical details transport the reader back in time. I felt immersed in the story and engaged with the characters, especially Lily as I felt invested in her journey.
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A Patriot’s Tale is a Historical Fiction by Nicole Pierman. We follow Lily Thompson as she searches for a family to make her their ward so that she may join the rebels during the Revolutionary War. Lily meets the Turner family and they set out to Bamburgh to join the rebels. This was an adventurous story with many great details about the war and battles. I liked the variety of characters given to us. Lily is a character who makes a great effort to protect the ones she cares for. I greatly enjoyed the Turner children. Mary and Eric, in particular, were delightful. The story would have benefited from more even writing and doing more showing than telling. This story is fun for those who enjoy determined female leads and historical fiction.
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione
Italian American is the second book in the Jack & Mariella Series and is a Historical Romance . This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. I’m a huge fan of Historical Romance and this one definitely checks all those boxes. The characters are relatable, fully developed and make the story come to life. I could picture myself right along with them. This is a story about sacrifices one makes and the ups and downs of family life. These two deserve all the happiness. Moving to a new town is scary imagine how much scarier it must be to move to a new country. Can these two make it? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this historical story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed how she was able to pull me into the character’s world from the start. I also enjoyed their attention to details that made the story realistic. This is a well written story about Lily and her determination to overthrow a British captain. Lily is a character that has overcome a lot during this time. She was held captive, joins a spy ring, all to help those that are struggling just to survive. I enjoyed Lily and what she brought to the story. She is a strong, determined character that brings inspiration to women of the story. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it easy to read. It is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2VPD9SMVZ3HXX/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summer of Mud was a great read. The author pulls you in from the very beginning to the end! The world building and characters was well thought of. This was a fast paced read for me. The story had a lot of emotions in it. I would say the book is for 10-12 year olds.
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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2647244155
Lily Thompson had had a traumatic life, after losing her parents and brothers due to the revolution in America against Britain. After training a little she thinks she will be able to make a difference joining the revelion, and has a second thought avenged the wrong to her family.
The Turners are a family touched by the war tragedy, full of hope for a better future, after their brother and mother died, they begin the journey to a place where revels gather in order to stop the English control. Along the way they will find Lily and an adventure like no other will commence.
A historic treat, full of heart warming patriotism.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bischoff fully immerses you and draws you in with her writing. I was taken to the 70s and escaped my own reality while reading this story. The writing was remarkable.
I plan on having my daughter read it this summer so we can have our own little book club night and talk about it. I truly enjoyed everything about this book and had a hard time not getting so emotional over it.
Great Summer reading option if your teen has the ability to choose their own book.
Teachers a great read to incorporate into summer reading.
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fascinating story of a young woman during the Revolutionary War. I found it a riveting read. You don’t find many books from this POV. The young woman was independent, yet knew when to get help.The story is well written and keeps the writer engaged. You just want to keep going to see what’s going to happen next. I was fascinated with her going up against the father of the family she traveled with. She was really quite the brave girl. This is a read that I can recommend.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a great book about a 12 year old that just wants to play music and her brother takes her on a trip under false pretenses. They end up in a small town that just built a new dam. The author keeps you enthralled with all kinds of feelings and twist and turn. She did such a great job at telling the story through a 12 year olds perspective.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Scoob and RC are a brother and sister duo who have been through a lot, but they both get their therapy through music, RC with his guitar and Scoob with her trumpet. She is so good that at the tender age of twelve, she has an audition for a local band who plays in one of her favourite restaurants, it is somewhere she knows well and is more than excited to play there, but just as she finds out that her audition was successful, her brother has some news for her as well, unfortunately for Scoob, it completely derails her dream.
It turns out that RC has a gig, but it’s not in their California home, not that they have much of a home on the streets homeless, but at least they are together, but this road trip to a festival takes her further away from her gig and from the opportunity it would give her to play in front of a major producer, so Scoob hatches a plan. Once they are on the road and RC tells her she has no choice but to go, however, Scoob is not in the mood to hear, so as soon as she can, she calls to find out when she needs to be home so that she can play in front of this extra special guest.
Unfortunately, this road trip becomes a bit dicey as RC decides to borrow some items along the way, Scoob is appalled, but when she sees their next stop in a tiny town called Rexburg and this is where things get really interesting. As they become embroiled in the drama around a new dam and how safe it is, as well as keeping up their cover about why they are there, Scoob and RC drift further apart as she feels like he is hiding something and when it all becomes too much and she decides to go it alone, disaster strikes and the controversial dam fails, causing a huge wave to smash towards Scoob, will she be able to survive the watery onslaught and see what the future brings, or will she end up in a watery grave? This is an emotional tale of a sibling roadtrip, with a rollercoaster of emotions throughout as truth, lies and secrets create a web of entanglement which you will untangle along with Scoob in this book you will not want to put down.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff was pretty amazing. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. This story about a young girl and her brother’s journey from homelessness and barely surviving to finding family, friends, and home was written so well. The author did an amazing job capturing the thoughts and feelings of a twelve year old who had to grow up pretty fast. I smiled, I cried and I felt the emotions written on each page. So many aspects of life were captured in this novel. From grief and betrayal to community and hope. This is definitely in my top 3 books I’ve read so far this year. If you are on the fence, please do yourself a favor and read this masterpiece (yes it’s for 10 and up but I as a 30+ year old woman loved it).
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely ate this story up. Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. This story was well written and put me through all the feels. It follows a young girl, Scoob, and her brother RC who lost their parents and are homeless in California. Scoob gets a gig with a jazz band playing trumpet but just before she’s due to play her first night, her brother whisks her away to Montana. The entire way, RC is acting really weird and obviously keeping things from her. They end up in Idaho and he drags his feet moving on until finally he comes clean and tells Scoob the truth about why they really ran off. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone. Despite it being geared toward a younger audience I, at 33, loved all of it.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for characters who have artistic passions and run through challenges along their journey. I love reading of their determination to overcome their obstacles. This book has these themes and I enjoyed it! Scoob is a 12 year old trumpet player who has been taught to play since she was very young thanks to her father. Now after finding herself homeless, she is doing what she can to earn her keep and gets a job at an Italian restaurant in Santa Monica. Unfortunately her brother RC has other plans with an unexpected road trip for work. En route, Scoob finds out a very famous jazz player will be scooping new talent in an upcoming visit to the restaurant she was recently hired for. She is determined to get back but one thing after another leaves her feeling hopeless until one life changing event.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was impossible to put down! I lost quite a bit of sleep just trying to finish this book and find out what happened. The sheer number of emotions that coursed through me while reading about Scoob and RC is astonishing. There were several times I had to stop and reach for tissues because a moment caught me off guard and caused a few tears. It’s not all sad or gloomy as there are plenty of heartwarming moments throughout this story. I’m still such a band nerd for the trumpet, so this book touched more of my heart than I had expected. The flow of the story is magnificent, and everything unfolded so naturally. The relationship between RC and Scoob definitely exemplified siblings, and I truly loved seeing them fight together to make it through. If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster with strong family dynamics, and yes, possibly shed a few tears, then this book is for you. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking YA novel which kept me captivated throughout. The wonderfully detailed description narrative transported me back to the summer of 1976, making me feel immersed in the story. Twelve year old Scoob is a musical prodigy who dreams of becoming a jazz legend. Having lost her parents her older brother RC looks after her, but they have ended up on the streets and don’t even have money for food. Just as Scoob gets a paying gig and a chance of getting the attention of a famous band leader on tv, RC drags her off on a mysterious road trip. The siblings find themselves stuck in the small town of Rexburg, Idaho.
Within the idyllic farming community the residents are divided over the safety of a newly built dam. Meanwhile the well-meaning locals want to help Scoob and RC, but she just wants to return home and to her audition. Scoob is heartbroken when she learns that RC has not been honest with her. She decides to return home on her own, but then the dam springs a leak. Soon a wall of water is heading for the town destroying everything in its path. As Scoob fights for her life she has to decide what really matters to her. This story literally took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I found it was a real page turner.
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A patriot’s tale is the first book I have read by this author. This book takes place during the Revolutionary war. This Historical read will keep you engrossed in the story the way this author writes this book really makes you feel like you were there you can picture it all. I really enjoyed reading about the characters in this book especially Lily. If you like Historical books and are ready to be engrossed by a book then look no further this book is amazing. Thank you to this author for writing this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting YA read. It also has historical elements and the author does an amazing job of transporting you back to that time period. One thing I loved was seeing the growth of Scoob through the story. She seemed to develop from a child who was souly focused on her own wants and dreams to maturing and realise that sometimes things aren’t all about you.
This story is fast paced, and in parts heartbreaking.
Scoob is a talented young child. When she lands a job playing in a jazz band and a possible meeting with someone very influencel in the industry. It seems her life and dreams finally have a chance to come true, that is until her brother takes her away.
RC makes her leave to attend a music festival however that isn’t the real reason they are leaving. What is RC hiding.
When a dam breaks flooding the town they are living in it leads to chaos and heartbreak for everyone.
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a story. The love between the siblings shines through from beginning to end, even when Scoob was angry at RC you still feel the bond between them. When things go wrong does Scoob realise what is more important. Following her dream or her brother.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
Summer of Mud is a wonderfully written Historical children’s book/YA that is aimed for middle school aged kids but adults can enjoy it as well. I was very eager to dive into this book and truly enjoyed reading it. This is a fairly new author to me but her style of writing and attention to detail along with developed characters make the story come to life. There’s a lot going on in this fast paced story but it’s not overwhelming but pretty easy to follow. Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure with Scoob and her older brother as they travel to a small town. Scoob is a young girl but man she has talent and big dreams. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the story of RC and Scoob, a brother and sister who are doing everything they can to keep their lives together. It’s been a rough couple of years with their mom walking out and then their dad dying in a freak accident. RC is so excited when he gets a vehicle for him and Scoob and when he picks her up, life is grand. Scoob has good news too but it’s short-lived as RC basically kidnaps her and they head to Montana.
There are so many emotions in this story! One minute, RC is the best big brother ever and the next I want to smack him upside his head. I really felt for Scoob on many different levels as she’s trying her hardest but she’s only 12 years old and doesn’t have the level of maturity to be doing life all on her own. She’s resilient though and I admire her strength and courage.
This is a great read and I recommend it! It’s geared for middle grades but this “old girl” really enjoyed it.
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione. I loved the first book so much but this one was even better. Written to the point that I felt like I was right in Rome and in America back in the 50’s. This story stayed with a long time after I finished it and that to me is the sign of a great book. Its the continuing story of Jack & Mariella who have moved to America and Mariella is having a hard time fitting in. Not used to American ways and American people, its a rough beginning. Leaving her beloved Rome is one of the hardest things she’s ever done. Women are different in American, very judgy and gossipy and outsiders aren’t really welcome. When a tragedy has her traveling back to Rome she will have to make the hardest decision ever in coming back to American. She loves Jack but with him working all the time she misses him and wonders if she really needs to go back. Such a heartfelt love story that will leave you wanting more.
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sparky of Bunker Hill is back along with the crazy cast from the Creepy House mansion. This fun cosy mystery is an historical tale is set in the 1930’s in the Great Depression era.
Monkey Island Murder is full of chills, thrills, mayhem and laughter. What lengths would you go to, to help a friend?
Sparky our amateur sleuth is willing to do anything to help her friend and Boss who has been implicated in a murder. She sets about to prove his innocence but in doing so she has to wade through many twists and turns and ups and downs to get there. Unfortunately for street-smart Sparky trouble is her middle name. She is one character that you will fall In love with.
Rosalind’s narrative lends to a vivid insight of the times and troubles of Sparky’s world. I enjoyed the wit and banter infused in the story.
Dig into the mayhem and madness.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Music, and the power to heal hearts. Music, and its poetry. Music, in all its many and varied forms. I am a musician. Right now, living in this apartment with me, are two flutes, two keyboards, a trumpet, and a trombone. Music is the staff paper upon which my story will be written one day. This book brought me to my knees, and it brought me tears. It was amazing!
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman is an historical story set during the American Revolutionary War. It is raw and gritty in parts, full of pain, struggles, challenges, loss, determination, battle, action, adventure, danger, drama, mystery, intrigue, tension, suspense, politics, agendas, friendship, survival, bravery, hope, and interesting, quirky characters.
I can’t imagine being seventeen and having faced and endured everything that Lily (our MC) had to face. She survived, against the odds, with a burning need to set things right. She joins a militia group- and is thrust into the fray, danger stalking her every move. What happens makes for a suspenseful read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Nicole Pierman!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
