What a fantastic and engaging YA story this turned out to be. I fell in love with Claire and how string she was. No matter which path she decided on it would be a tough road for her. I wanted to make everything easier for her and lighten her load. The author really created a brilliant story with this book. It is unlike any other YA book I have read which made it more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this book.
I really love this series, it has everything you could want in a romance book. Even though it’s a prequel it’s missing nothing. It has everything you could hope and want. Somehow this author makes the series better and better with each book. Read it today you won’t be disappointed!
This is the sixth book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. I have read several of them, but not all of the books. They are all able to be read as a standalone. I definitely enjoyed each and everyone I have read. Emma is definitely one of my favorite mystery heroines of all time. Emma and her friends have been invited to Paris on an all expenses paid trip. While they are suspicious about the invitation, they aren’t about to turn down a free trip. Therefore, they aren’t shocked when weird things start happening, starting with clingers on on the ship to Paris. I have absolutely loved how this series has developed. I feel that this is an amazing series and Emma is just a enjoyable character. I love how the author writes and the amount of details she puts in each story. She puts enough detail into the setting that you feel that you are there, I feel like I successfully traveled to Paris back during 1889. I would have loved to go see the world’s exposition back then. If you are looking for a good mystery series with an outstanding heroine look no further!
A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking YA novel which kept me captivated throughout. The main character, high school senior Claire Jackson is an inspirational teenager who’s life changes dramatically following an unplanned pregnancy, the twist though is that the baby is her mothers, not hers. Claire finds herself taking on the main caring role for her half brother so much so that most people seem to think he is her son. No one seems to know who Harry’s father is and Claire’s mother is sinking deeper and deeper into despair. Things get worse when her mother uses Claire’s college fund to pay for day care for Harry, however when her uncle offers to replenish the fund on the condition that Harry be given up for adoption, Claire has a complicated choice to make. This was a real page turner of a novel and it had me hooked from from start to finish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-07-25 15:24:302023-08-03 14:13:24Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Complicated Choices is a YA Family book that centers around the character of Claire who is just starting her senior year in high school. Rather than go to ball games, date, or attend school dances she is raising a baby. The problem is, the baby she is raising is not her own, although a lot of people get that impression when they first see Claire pushing the baby stroller. Claire’s mother has fallen into a deep depression and can barely look after herself let alone raise a baby which has all the responsibility landing on young Claire’s shoulders. Claire finds herself changing diapers, cleaning up baby vomit, and taking baby Harry to his fancy new daycare. A daycare that cost a small fortune and that her mom paid for with Claire’s college fund. Claire’s mom has not only been sinking farther into depression but is also sinking into farther financial debt. When Claire’s uncle offers a way out of their financial situation it would give Claire the future she had hoped for and dreamed of but at what price. Claire finds herself forced to make an impossible decision and no matter what she chooses it will forever alter the course of her life.
This book was beautifully written with an intriguing storyline and characters that were instantly relatable and likable. The character of Claire was someone that I immediately felt a connection to and found myself rooting for. She was a young girl with a bright future but when her mom got pregnant Claire’s future was forever altered. Suddenly she had to grow up fast and become a mom to her baby brother while also going to school and looking after her mom. Rather than enjoy her senior year in high school, hanging out with friends, dating, and going to parties Claire was playing the part of mom to both her own mom as well as her baby brother. Claire was wise beyond her years, mature, responsible, savvy, and feisty. How unimaginable to be put in a position where you must choose between your future and attending college or your baby brother. It was absolutely heart wrenching to read about the situation Claire had been placed in. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions with a few twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-07-25 15:13:362023-08-03 14:13:17Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This is such an emotional read. I loved every second of it even as I was reading with tears streaming down my face. This isn’t the traditional hard choice pregnancy tale. This is about what happens when a mother, with older children, has a child they are not prepared to take care of and that burden now falls on their older children. Risa does a fantastic job of writing the characters. Each one has a tremendous amount of depth in them and I feel that Claire was perhaps the most well written character. I found myself really pulling for Claire in this story and wondering what I would do in this situation. Her mother really placed her in a hard situation and her uncle means well but doesn’t see that the answer really isn’t clear cut. This really was a fantastic read that I highly suggest picking up, but make sure to have some tissues handy because it will pull on your heart strings throughout.
The Ring of Eagna (The Cross of Ciaran Book 4) by Andrea Matthews. This is a fast paced adventure full of danger, plot twists and drama. I highly recommend reading these in order to get to know the back story. Its the continuing story of Ciaran & Caitlin who are together and have one year old twins now. Ciaran’s brother Aodhan thinks that if they can find the 3rd ring that goes with the 2 they already have they will find the key to ancient riches. There is also a heavy warning that if you find these riches there will be a price to pay. Going on a real life Raiders of the Lost Ark there are monks, jewels, mysteries, danger, family drama and a manuscript at the very center of everything. There is also magic involved and it will keep you guessing until the very last page. Read this fast paced fun mystery to find out if the brothers find the missing key.
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 Treadway2023-07-25 13:52:362023-08-03 14:13:02The Ring of Eagna (The Cross of Ciaran Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Tausha Treadway
Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl. This is such a good series and I loved this book. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the others first. Its the story of Taz who is a smart, independent woman who is the accountant for the Devil’s Handmaiden. She also has a son Teddy, that is autistic and he is her world. When he begins to get bullied she turns to the Devil’s Handmaidens MC, her friend Travis “the Enforcer” Milford and his friends from the Intruder to help. They rally around Teddy and protect him from the bullies. As Travis and Taz begin to spend more and more time together they begin to get feelings for one another. Taz also has some baggage from her past that comes back to haunt her in this story. Read this story to find out if Taz and Travis can make their relationship work even with all the factors around trying to break them up.
This book is the fourth in a series. It might be possible to read it as a stand alone book, but it would be much more enjoyable to read the books in order. It is a continuation of the story of Ciaran and Caitlin. They now have one year old twins. Ciaran’s brother, Aodhan, discovers that their priestly rings might open a chamber full of artifacts and treasure. Together, they race to find it before the bad guys can steal it. It has kind of an Indiana Jones or National Treasure feel, especially in the cave where the treasure is. I enjoyed it as well as the rest of the books in the series. I enjoyed reading more about all the characters. There are some mildly graphic scenes between Ciaran and Caitlin. But it’s still a great book and series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2023-07-25 11:48:492023-08-03 14:12:39The Ring of Eagna (The Cross of Ciaran Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Rebecca Hill
Oh boy, will they ever learn? You don’t mess with mama bear. Taz may be cute and shy but if you mess with her family, you are as good as dead. Her son is her everything, Taz will stop at nothing to protect him or her family. That includes Devil’s Handmaidens MC. While the women are strong and independent, sometimes they may need to call on big brother. This is a must read series. I love this series! The author writes some amazing MC stories. This author left nothing out of her story.The rollercoaster of emotions will keep you turning the pages. This may be a romance story, but the twists and turns make it so much more. Heartbreak, romance, evil, and twisted suspenseful events all in one book. I loved it! I can hardly wait for the next installment.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman. I loved this book so much even though I’m a 53 year old woman and its a young adult read. Its the story of Claire who is a teenager and living with her mom who is suffering from severe post partum depression. Due to that fact Claire is having to raise her baby brother Harry. Claire is a Senior so she’s missing out on all the parties, ball games and hanging with friends. Instead she is planning on how to get Harry to and from day care and bottles and naps. Not what a Senior in high school should be worried about. Claire has finally gotten the attention of the hot guy in school too but can do nothing about it due to her situation. Her mom is not getting better and her Uncle is trying to push her into putting her in a clinic somewhere. The money is all gone due to her mom spending it all. Such a sad, tragic young adult read that is probably happening more often than we know.
Marluck is a paladin of the Goddess of Fate and a good one at that, he was renowned for his strength, abilities and connection to his Goddess, he had fame, money and arrogance, or at least he was, while he was on his last mission to help a village being preyed upon by a God-beast, a mix of godling and wild beast who are more dangerous the older they become and during that battle, Marluck loses his Goddess’s favour, he loses his connection and everything that went along with it. Now, he is scraping by as an Oathbreaker, a fallen paladin who most people tend to avoid like the plague, the lowest of the low, how far he has fallen, but he is not the only one in this predicament, he manages to find others in the same situation, others who have fallen foul of their patrons and become Oathbreakers Guild.
While Marluck settles into life as an Oathbreaker, he becomes close to the others in the Guild as they share stories of their past lives and current woes while drowning their sorrows in cheap booze, but after one of the meetings, he is pulled aside and he is told of rumours about the possibility of redemption and a return to his position and he is more than tempted to do so. After meditating on his choices and deciding that he at least wants to try, he shares his plans with the others and not everyone agrees with him and fewer offer to go with him, in fact most of them deem him a madman, there are however, four others who decide to join him.
Fast forward to a few days later when the unlikely group have done their research about the possible holy sites where they can regain their deities favour, gathered supplies, settled any outstanding affairs and decided on a plan of action, the rag-tag group set off towards their first destination, but will they be able to find the redemption they desire, or will it prove to be a rumour alone and a wasted journey after all? This is a fantasy adventure which is a definite page turner throughout, as friends, enemies and indifferent beings combine into a humorous yet heart-warming journey of self discovery and entertaining mishaps which keep you hooked until the end.
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 Lesieur2023-07-25 10:15:242023-08-03 14:11:46Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
I love how the story of Emma and Jeremy has progressed. Not just their characters but all of them. I have loved this series and this book did not disappoint.
This time Emma and Jeremy are able to travel with Dora and Tim (Emma’s sister and brother in law) and go abroad. They land in Paris, France during the exposition.
Of course this trip quickly turns into solving several mysteries but keeps you guessing on all of them. They were invited on this trip, all expenses paid but who invited them? Who is footing this bill? Mysteriously a girl shows up to their room but no one believes her that she was originally there with her mom. What’s the deal with the missing woman? Is there a group against electricity? Will they cause havoc during the exposition?
Now this particular book was full of loosely based facts and based loosely on real people/events. Which this is what I love about this series. It pulls you in because you want to know what trouble Emma is going to come across next but the author does an amazing job at adding in historical facts which keeps it authentic. I truly hope we are able to continue following Emma and Jeremy some more!
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 Pulliam2023-07-25 10:13:592023-08-03 14:10:41Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam
This is my first audio book by this author which I enjoyed listening to. The narrator kept the story engaging by using different tones. They had me wanting to know what would happen next with Ali and Joe. They are great, strong, connectable, engaging characters that made the story easy to listen to. There is great chemistry and growth with these two characters. I found this an entertaining audio book, one you don’t want to miss. I look forward to listening to other stories by this author. I highly recommend this audiobook,
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 Wagner2023-07-25 07:50:032023-08-03 14:10:23The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Bobbi Wagner
I enjoyed reading this book. This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I found this book to be well written with some suspense but also a lot of emotion at the same time. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. They are strong, connectable characters that bring so much to the story. My favorite character is Claire. She has put herself in a position where she has to make a choice between keeping her baby or going back to a life without him. What will she do? This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. A story that is engaging and one you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.
YA suspenseful drama What a roller coaster. This book sinks its hooks in and doesn’t let go. The raw emotion just drips off the page. Claire is a head strong character that has to face so many things beyond her years. Absolutely loved Chad and his total commitment to Claire. This book has it all and brings to light the good, the bad and the ugly that comes from family drama, keeping secrets and transitioning into adulthood. A well written, totally intriguing story. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-07-25 06:47:212023-08-03 14:09:16Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rayne East
I found myself feeling all the feels with this story. A high school senior winds up having to take care of her new baby brother because her mom can’t handle it. There are a lot of complications in her life all at one time. She wants her mom to get help. She wants to have a life. She wants to knoww who the baby’s father is. The twists in the story will astound you. This story feels so real. I feel it’s one of the best stories I’ve read this year. If I were allowed to give it more than 5 stars I would.
Carter had a successful career in politics mapped out for him ever since High School and his first debate, but over the past year he has slowly become disillusion with the whole thing on Capitol Hill. When he discovers his mentor may have sold herself out for money and while trying to understand the dilemma he is in, he overhears a conversation that turns his whole world upside down and has him leaving DC and returning home to hide.
Once at home, he picks up his job with his brother in the Brewery as Brew master all while trying to investigate into what he overheard, but as this is becoming more and more dangerous he needs to be more careful, but researching at the library is becoming more difficult but when the Librarian decides to make him her pet project things are going to turn out ugly and dangerous.
Sunshine has always wanted to be a Librarian, she loves the facts and knowledge that is uncovered under her walls and when she spots a homeless man coming in every couple of weeks, she takes it upon herself to help him with what ever addiction he has, but as time goes on Sunny is drawn into a world of espionage, cover ups and danger, can she survive a) the bad guys and b) the attraction of the stranger in the Library.
Can Carter keep Sunny safe and his family, all while exposing the corruption on Capitol Hill.
Oh my, I love, love, love this author and this story is no different. This is a stand alone story regarding Carter and Sunny and is part of the Love on Tap Series. Carter in the first book was the brooding brother who sneaked around the brewery and not really interacting with anyone, so reading him in this book was a great insight into him as a person. Sunny was just the most brilliant sidekick to him with her optimistic outlook on life against the grey and pessimistic world of Carter where brilliant to read.
I can also appreciate the quirky characters as in Duke, Sunny’s grandfather and Knuckles the spy were hilarious to read and brought a light hearted feel to the story. As always Miller’s antics brought a smile and overall I loved all the secondary characters which just embrace the story and make it what it is.
There are some many questions which I hope are answered in the next books, like does Miller find out who’s following him? Does Gina and Duke have a thing going on? and what’s Lynne up to at college as there has to be a story there.
Thank you for the enjoyment and entertainment of all your stories and look forward to reading the next book and books lol.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-07-25 06:39:462023-08-03 14:09:00Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Angela Shirley
Elan and Arwyn have been friends for years, although there is an attraction they pledged not to enter the urge as this would mess with the dynamic of the friends, until one day all that is thrown out and they discover lust and love with each other and another.
Hassan has travelled with Pryderi and wants to settle in the area, although his background is different to the rest of them he finds peace and connection with Elan. Hassan is not sure what will happen but as his attraction and chemistry grows he gets involved in more than one love, he discovers two.
With the bond pulling them closer, can the pact that Elan and Arwyn made survive the relationship which is on the cards.
This is the first book I have read in this series and this author and I have to say it fascinated me. It can be read as a stand alone as the author makes sure understand the characters as Elinefae and what that entails. The book leads you into a world of pure fantasy and unlocks your imagination in ways I have never really explored.
I loved the characters of Elan and Arwyn as they had a torture start before even adding the complexity of the third male into the equation, although at times I felt the conversations forced it did not take away the overall story. Although this is not normally something I would read necessarily it did hold my interest to the end.
Thank you T Clark for opening my eyes to the world of the Elinefae, witches, dragons and fantasies.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-07-25 06:06:572023-08-03 14:08:52Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Angela Shirley
5 Stars The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw
• The Sisterhood of Secrets is the fourth book in The Gods’ Scion Series and is a wonderfully written YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is packed with action secrets, twists, lies and betrayal plus so much more. I recommend reading this series in order to get the full adventure and get to know the characters and what’s been going on. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the story trying to figure out what was going to happen next. We follow along with Princess Arcelia and Prince Roderick on their adventure as they fight for everything they know including lobe. I don’t want to give up to much. This is definitely my favorite yet and worth the read. I highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-07-25 05:23:302023-08-03 13:58:13The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This is second book in the Love on Tap series. And I really enjoy these books. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. However after reading one you will definately want to read more.The author does a great job with the characters making them relatable and also likeable. Their personalities really jump off the pages. This is the story of Sunny and Carter. This is definstely an opposite attracts story as Sunny and Carter couldn’t be more different if they tired. Sunny is a happy soul. She always looks on the brightside of life. Her personality and love of life shines through in her choice of clothing. Sunny works as a librarian and definately sounds like someone I would like to be friends with. Carter returns home after leaving his political career. Carter seems like the brooding type and when he meets Sunny she is definately not his type. However as they spend more time together their relationship starts to progress and grow and Carter soon realises that Sunny is exactly what he needs to bring some sunshine back into his life again.
This is a slow burn romance with some parts that will make you laugh at the antics they get up to. You can feel their feelings grow as the story progresses and their connection is so strong you can’t help but read to see if they actually get together. What happens with the fake relationship between Carter and Sunny starts to feel more real than either of them thought it would.
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 Carr2023-07-25 02:36:262023-08-03 13:58:04Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Kerry Carr
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It did not disappoint. I just couldn’t put the book down. I had to know what happened next! The world building and character building was so good I felt I was there. If you like fantasy books that will keep you turning the page, give this a shot!
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 Truex2023-07-25 00:40:312023-08-03 13:57:56Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Jamie Truex
This is the fourth book in the Shadow Chronicles series. I have been hooked since book one! Vampires, lycans, battles, love…I can’t ask for anything more. This book follows the sister of the main character that we have previously followed. The author does such an amazing job world building and character building. Please give this book a shot.
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 Truex2023-07-25 00:35:192023-08-03 13:57:41Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Jamie Truex
ANTHOLOGY: Some of us may dream of knights in shining armor, but in this limited edition romance collection our characters learn that the blue collar, everyday heroes are the ones who will rescue their wounded hearts and sweep them off their feet.
From the heat that’s felt being near a fireman, to the thrill of being with a police officer who knows their way around some handcuffs, this collection will have readers seeing that the real happily ever after might come from the hero next door.
UNEXPECTED HEROES:
ELIJAH
After narrowly avoiding a prison sentence, I snatch up the chance to start over. But my ex certainly didn’t make things easy. I’ve lost everything–my job, my reputation, my friends, everything except what matters most, my infant son, Griffin. He’s the reason I live and breathe, but I don’t know if I can do this alone.
Then an angel appears in the form of my new neighbor, Jude. He’s handsome and good with my son, but my heart is hesitant to love again. Especially with Jude’s personal demons interfering, leading him to betray my trust.
Despite our falling out, when my past shows up, putting Griffin in danger, Jude’s the one riding to the rescue. He’s a good man, but am I ready to risk my heart to build a future with him?
JUDE
He’s gone, and he took my heart and soul with him. Life is now an endless round of working security jobs and losing myself in the bottom of a bottle… until the night I meet my new neighbor Elijah and his baby boy. Suddenly, the future I always wanted is possible again, and I cling to it with all I’ve got. But my clinging leads me to make a decision that could tank everything before it gets started.
Even though Elijah has pushed me away, when he and Griffin are in danger, I can’t stand by and do nothing. Elijah and I may not end up together, but he and his son have become my reason to live. As long as they are safe, nothing else matters. I’d rather they be alive to love from afar, than be dead and return to the darkness I was in before we met, because this time I might not make it out.
High school senior Claire Jackson’s life shatters after an unplanned pregnancy.
Not hers, her mother’s.
With no father named on baby Harry’s birth certificate and their mother sinking into despair, Claire finds herself knee deep in diapers, streams of baby barf, and mountains of laundry. Not only does Harry rob Claire of her freedom, but also her future when her mother uses her college funds for day care.
Claire’s uncle offers to replenish the funds on the condition Harry is given up for adoption. With a troubled and unstable mother, Claire must take control and choose: trade Harry for money and return to her former life, or fight for him.
The stakes run high when a baby is involved, and the choices are complicated.
In addition to Complicated Choices, Risa Nyman is the author of two award-winning middle grade mysteries, Swallowed by a Secret and Spooked by a Suspicion. Her contemporary novels deal with family issues, life changes, friendship, and loss.
Risa was born and lived most of her life in Greater Boston, and she has an authentic Boston accent to prove her heritage. No coincidence that all of her books are set in Massachusetts.
Her deep dive into creative writing began when she retired after decades working for the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization that focuses on voter registration, getting out the vote, candidates’ debates, and fair voting procedures.
Since Risa’s first online writing class, writing has become a passion and a defining part of her life. When not writing, you might find Risa reading, exercising, or doing therapeutic ironing (yes, there is such a thing.)
The synopsis didn’t do this book justice. There’s so much love and fight in the story. So many lessons to learn. One of my fave books of the year so far. You’ll become attached to the characters fast. You’ll feel so many emotions. Maybe even shed a tear. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2023-07-24 23:31:092023-08-03 13:57:31Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Amber Howard
As I stand to applaud another excellent addition to this series, I just have to say that the characters this author creates are …. human. They have fears, desires, hopes, dreams, regrets, disappointment, love, laughter, and anger. And they are beautiful, funny, real. Even the supporting characters are well done.
Just as the Brooks brothers are getting over their very weird and expensive surprise inspection, Carter realizes that it is so much more than a disrespected government official exerting their power. It all was too coincidental. All the bad stuff happening to his family was because of him, because of what Carter left behind when he fled DC. One mistakenly overheard conversation, one dirty politician, one career ruined. Unfortunately the ruined career was his. Now he had to find a way to protect his family.
Sunny is more than just a librarian. She is a granddaughter trying to care for her aging grandfather. She is a best friend trying not to be jealous of the loving relationship enjoyed by Mia. Sunny is more than a girl with a huge crush on the environmental activist next door. Sunny is most of all a woman trying to find that relationship that allows her to feel safe enough to reveal her big secret. When Sunny and Carter cross paths at the library, it is like she is invisible.
Carter unknowingly involves Sunny’s conspiracy-loving grandfather into his schemes to find a way to protect his family from the powers in DC. Sunny gets roped in because her grandfather can’t make the road trip to Memphis from Asheville to get answers, dirt, leverage needed to secure Carter’s family’s safety. As part of the deal, Carter agrees to give Sunny’s love interest a push in the right direction by pretending to be interested in Sunny. It works all too well. Tender moments shared. Riotous banter had. Even a little dream-inspired conversation. Throw in a couple cantankerous goats and you have yourself one heck of fun ride. Applause restart. Fabulous book!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-07-24 22:43:012023-08-03 13:57:22Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by M Policicchio
I’m really not sure how I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I am SO glad that part of my life is over! I stayed up reading this book because I couldn’t put it down to do anything (sorry chores) and I don’t regret one bit of it. The way they pull you into the story is subtle but irreversible. The humor throughout this book will have you laughing out loud and disturbing your family members. The world is so beautifully crafted and vivid that I felt like I was on the adventure with Marluck and the Oathbreakers myself. Even if this doesn’t seem like your type of book, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You will find yourself enjoying it before you know what happened, so say goodbye to your to-do list for the day. I’m off to find more of this author’s books!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-07-24 22:29:422023-08-03 13:57:08Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Shannen Kern
This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I felt like there were times I wanted to pull out my hair because of the pain that Vic and Lo were suffering. This story has love, suspense, abuse, loss, family, twists and turns and deals with some pretty dark subjects that can be triggering for some. The author wrote this story well and pulled me into the story. Vic had to deal with so much in this book but through it all she held on to her love for Logan. As I turned pages I kept wishing for her nightmare to be over. I don’t want to give anything away so I will say that this was a gripping story that I recommend. I look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candida Hopperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandida Hopper2023-07-24 21:32:022023-08-03 13:56:56The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1) by A. M. Porto – Review by Candida Hopper
Have you ever picked up a book….totally out of your element….took a chance, intrigued by the cover and absolutely loved the story to pieces…….this is me….and this book…I loved it!!! This is a new author to me and this fantasy adventure took me on a journey that was fun, laugh out loud moments, and I loved the characters. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Once powerful Marluck is now on the outside looking in, his powers stripped. Down on his luck, he discovers the “Oathbreakers”…other beings that were throw at the waist side as well…banding together to find their way again…..will Marluck succeed in the end….definitely give this book a chance and find out!
This is an adventure, and I loved every character and their story and the journey. Totally fantastic.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-07-24 21:00:212023-08-03 13:56:46Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
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