A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance
Oh my goodness, why are Phoebe and Laurent so amazing together? I thought they are perfect for one another as soon as I opened the book and feel even stronger about it.
I laughed, cried and even got mad a few times, especially when she had to deal with her step mother.
Laurent reminded me a little of my husband, was very close with his grandfather and got a special heirloom from him when he died. Unfortunately mine is not a rich vineyard owner.
I think I’m going to love reading about the Grasso family and how they all fall.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2023-07-15 22:18:172023-07-17 08:02:03A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Robin Rankin
This was such a great book and I am so excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out. Jessica was such a wonderful character. Initially she comes across as a kick-butt hard working woman, who takes what she wants and makes no apologies for her choices, but as the pages continued to turn, you slowly start to see the cracks in the armor she has built around her. The assignment she takes, to locate a missing woman, takes her on a journey of self discovery. Jessica has a lot of demons to contend with, both from her past and her current life. I loved that she had such an amazing support group of friends and I loved her pup Tela! This was definitely a fast paced story that I couldn’t put down! It definetely held me in suspense and had so many twist and turns. A fantastic read with an awesome heroine!
This is book 2 in the Ladies of the Links series however it can be read as a stand-alone. This is a second chance romance between Christy and Ryan. It’s very cute and quick. Christy has struggled for 6 years to be a good mom to her twin girls with the help of her very talented (and psychic bff) before running into Ryan again. They quickly realize the feelings are still there but don’t want to rush into anything since the girls are there to consider. Cute humor, sweet moments and adorable 5 year old twins make this a super adorable read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nichole Chrismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNichole Chrisman2023-07-15 21:56:362023-07-17 07:56:57Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Nichole Chrisman
I knew that having loved the first book in the series that it was going to be a challenge to follow it up, but N.D. Jackson knows EXACTLY what they’re doing here! The author provided such a perfect second installment with vivid imagery and beautifully written descriptions of scenes, so much so that I felt transported to this world. I was completely captivated once again and fell in love with Indigo and Gideon. I highly recommend picking up the first book before reading this one just to gain some of the depth you’d miss without it. You won’t regret either choice because these books are absolutely fantastic. I can’t wait for the next book to drop!
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 Kern2023-07-15 21:36:332023-07-17 07:56:49Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern
I definitely couldn’t pace myself with this story…I read it all in one go! I had to find out what would happen as the author drew me in with such finesse that I didn’t realize until I had finished half the book. The synopsis gripped me, and I knew I had to give Bared a chance. Thank goodness I did! I fell in love with the Green Street Girls quickly and found myself fully invested in each of the characters right away. I am so excited by this book that I’ve already picked up the next one to see what the author has in store!
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 Kern2023-07-15 21:24:312023-07-17 07:56:41Bared. (A Green St. Girls Romance) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern
Phoebe and Laurent met and fell for each other in college. They were both young and Phoebe ran from Laurent when she realized she was falling for him and it scared her. Many years have gone by and she has come to ask him to make good on a pact they had made back then. Laurent says that he will help her by pretending to be her boyfriend while she attends her half sisters engagement party and wedding. They have to make this look good due to her awful step mother Marion. Will they be able to keep this going or will everything fall apart?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Knallshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Knalls2023-07-15 21:21:552023-07-17 07:56:31A Toast for Laurent(Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo-Review by Heather Knalls
I read this as a stand-alone and felt pretty comfortable right away, though this author held my attention from the first page so I’m sure I’ll be going back to the first book now! I enjoyed the small-town feel of this book with the added sports, drama, and steam to make it extra interesting. Though there were a couple of moments the story kind of stalled out for me, I enjoyed it overall and will be continuing the series. I will definitely be on the lookout for this author more in the future. Give it a chance and you’ll fall in love with the characters!
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 Kern2023-07-15 21:12:462023-07-17 07:56:26Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Shannen Kern
This book follows the story of Toni and Mickey. Toni is a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. After a break up the last thing Toni was looking for was a man to fall for. Enter a drop-dead gorgeous man on a dream vacation.
Mickey is a man that is not looking for anything serious. He wants to have fun and enjoy his life after his breakup. Even though he is not looking for anything serious Mickey is quite the gentleman.
What happens when two determined people meet? Will there only be sparks or will a fire start to burn?
Read this book to see if this holiday romance will go beyond that or be just that. Also, it gets steamy and spicy so keep some water close by to keep you cool.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kiana Corleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKiana Corley2023-07-15 21:02:072023-07-17 07:56:18Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Kiana Corley
While Fetching Dreams is aimed more towards middle-schoolers, I found it to be quite moving myself. I read this one with my soon to be 6th grader, and she loved it as well. It sparked a very deep conversation between us about remaining hopeful in the toughest of times. We also spoke about how, even though Neyah and Abby are living in almost completely opposite worlds, how empathetic they were towards each other. I found this story inspiring and really liked the determination of these young ladies. Even if you don’t have a middle-schooler in your life, I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance.
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 Kern2023-07-15 21:01:432023-07-17 07:56:04Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Shannen Kern
This book is a must-read. Sylvie does an amazing job at developing the characters and this story has a great plot. This book is great and has a happy ending as well.
This book follows Sunny and Carter. Sunny is a librarian with a very optimistic and bubbly personality. She enjoys helping people and has a larger-than-life personality that can rub some people the wrong way. She is a little clumsy but she knows what she wants. While Carter is guarded and standoffish. He is in town to help out with his family’s company after a life-changing event occurred for him.
What happens when sunshine meets stormy? Can she help bring sunshine to Carter’s life or will their relationship remain professional?
Read this book to find out what happens with these two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kiana Corleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKiana Corley2023-07-15 20:46:312023-07-17 07:55:56Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Kiana Corley
After reading Athena’s story in the first book of the Green St. Girls series, I was instantly hooked. The author did an amazing job portraying someone struggling with their past demons. This book is no different.
This time around we follow Indigo, a gamer genius who also dabbles in other software. She ran away at the age of 15 and met the other girls on Green St. Since she was the youngest, she was the most sheltered and protected of the group. Indigo was sexually abused by her step father causing her to have giant trust issues with men in particular.
In the first book we are introduced to Athena’s brother Gideon who quickly becomes friends and then roommates with Indigo. Things are different between Indigo and Gideon first thing. He is the first guy she has felt comfortable with in a long time and doesn’t want anything to risk that.
Meanwhile, Indigo created a recognition software that she is in the process of potentially leasing out to the government if things go accordingly. Someone does not want this to happen. Indigo starts receiving threats to shut it down. She lets Gideon in on the threats and he vows to protect her. It’s hard to avoid romantic feelings if you are always with each other.
The author did an amazing job once again with traumatic healing and the different feelings associated with it. I am also a victim of sexual abuse and the author described my feelings to a tee when I started becoming interested in men again. It is like they are speaking from experience (which in a way I hope they aren’t). The book feels very authentic. Indigo goes through self doubt and paranoia. Years later and her abuser is still not forgotten and still has control over her. Luckily Indigo is a strong woman who is dedicated to not letting him win. With the help of a loyal and sweet guy to show her how strong and brave she truly is.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2023-07-15 20:44:052023-07-17 07:55:46Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Santana Hicks
A contemporary spin on a classic This retelling of Goldilocks has a scientific twist giving the reader imaginative and informative journey. The writing is engaging and captures some meaningful lessons in kindness, responsibility and STEM. A great addition to any library. 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 East2023-07-15 20:28:382023-07-17 07:59:44Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East
Ladies of the Links #2 is part of the Ladies of the Links Series. It is a Sports Romance story that centers around the characters of Christy and Ryan. Christy’s job as pool manger allows her to spend extra time with her twin girls. As a single mother she loves being able to work while also being able to raise her children in a safe environment. When the club gets a new member by the name of Ryan, Christy’s life suddenly becomes very complicated. There is a chance that Ryan could expose the secret that she has been hiding for years. Especially since Ryan becomes suspicious when he looks at the twin girls who not only bare striking similarities to himself, but each girl bares his namesake. He quickly realizes that this must be more than pure coincidence and suspects that he is the father to the twin girls. This was an interesting storyline and I had to continue reading to see what would happen to Christy and Ryan. I became very invested in their lives, in their backstory, and in their future. I needed answers to all the questions that came to mind. What will become of Christy if her secret is revealed? What will Ryan think of her? Will she ever be able to live down the gossip? Would Christy and Ryan rekindle whatever it was that they once had? I enjoyed how the story flowed almost as though it was written as a diary, and I was getting inside someone’s most personal thoughts and feelings. I highly recommend!
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 Barnes2023-07-15 19:38:092023-07-17 07:59:37Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Romantic Story! The story was well written with great characters. This is a page turner that will captivate you. I love that this was a true fairytale story. I recommend to anyone who is looking for a great read to escape your norm. This was my first read by this author, but I will read more in the near future.Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Romantic Story! The story was well written with great characters. This is a page turner that will captivate you. I love that this was a true fairytale story. I recommend to anyone who is looking for a great read to escape your norm. This was my first read by this author, but I will read more in the near future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2023-07-15 19:33:002023-07-17 07:59:30Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Nina Maes
Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades is a great romance sport story.
Christy does a terrific job as the pool manager and enjoys spending time with the kids throughout the summer months to make sure that all activities are enjoyable and safe. She enjoys spending more time with her daughters because she is a single mother of twins. She receives the surprise of her life from the club’s newest member.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-07-15 19:09:392023-07-17 07:59:24Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
A Toast for Laurent is a second chance romance novel that centers around the characters of Laurent and Phoebe and told by each of their POV throughout. Nearly twenty years ago Phoebe took off from Laurent’s life and broke his heart. Now she has suddenly reappeared and is expecting him to make good on a promise that he made one night nearly twenty years ago. Laurent certainly never took the promise seriously nor did he expect Phoebe to reappear and expect for the two of them to get married. Of course, he is reluctant because he no longer knows who she is or anything about her after the two went in different directions with their lives. Laurent wants to hate Phoebe for breaking his heart, but he is still intensely attracted to her. Can the two rekindle what they once had, or has too much time gone by? This was a beautifully written book with an interesting storyline and characters whose lives you become invested in. It was apparent that Phoebe and Laurent once had more than a fling and were deeply in love. I had to read through to the end to see why Phoebe took off and if the relationship between them could be rekindled. A great read that I highly recommend!
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 Barnes2023-07-15 19:02:482023-07-17 07:59:19A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Notebook Mysteries Parisian Intrigue is Book Six in the Notebook Mysteries Series. It is a Historical Crime novel set in 1889 and centers around the character of a young girl named Emma. I have read all the books in this series and am always impressed by the author’s writing style. I love how the author takes inspiration from actual crimes that took place between 1881-1890. Emma’s latest adventure takes place with the beautiful backdrop of Paris when Emma is invited to attend the 1889 Paris Exposition. She sets out on a fun-filled, leisure-filled, trip with close friends but it does not take long before she finds herself immersed in new mysteries. Emma finds herself trying to solve two mysteries at once and one of those mysteries could affect the Paris Exposition. The author has done a wonderful job of creating interesting storylines, against the beautiful backdrop of Paris, with fantastic characters that one becomes easily invested in. I have loved the character of Emma since the first book. She is smart, feisty, determined, tenacious, and well ahead of her time. This was a great book full of action, suspense, danger, intrigue, and mystery. I highly recommend!
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 Barnes2023-07-15 18:41:462023-07-17 07:59:13Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Amazing Series! Damon and Sky are my favorite characters so far. There is so much emotion just jumping off the pages, leaving you instantly hooked and wanting more. I don’t know how this series can get better and better with each book but it does. You won’t be disappointed in this book it has everything you could want in a romance book. I can’t wait to read the next books have in store for us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2023-07-15 18:37:032023-08-04 22:31:53Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Westerman
I really enjoyed this series, and I am sad it has come to an end. I loved this one as much as the first two. The fun “banter” between everyone was my favorite part, it made the book relatable to me. There was lots of chemistry jumping off the pages and just enough romance to keep me wanting more. This author has a new fan, and I can’t wait to see what comes next from her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2023-07-15 18:30:512023-08-04 22:32:25Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Ashley Westerman
This was a cute little story. Kept very close to the original but with beginner science thrown in. My youngest child was easily able to identify the simple machines used.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2023-07-15 18:14:482023-07-17 07:59:08Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Plate, July 2023
Laurent and Phoebe made a pact in college and 20 years later she comes back into his life. Laurent has been in love with Phoebe since he’s known her. Phoebe couldn’t commit and ran. She’s great at running.
Laurent hadn’t seen her in so many years and turns out they are working in the same town! She shows up unexpectedly and throws an idea around and he jumps on it. Anything to be with her, near her again.
Laurent makes her promise that she won’t fall in love with him…. but can she keep that promise? Can they find their happily ever after? I loved their story and the realness it brought. It was relatable in so many ways and her reasoning for running is not what I thought at all. You must read to find out 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 Pulliam2023-07-15 17:51:352023-07-17 07:59:01A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Devon Pulliam
I typically read romance and thriller books, but was drawn to Fetching Dreams. The cover art sparked my interest and the synopsis sealed the deal. I am so glad I went outside my norm. This book blew me away. It is so inspirational and emotional and raw. While it is marketed as a children’s book, it is so much more! I have recommended it to several people already and want my kids to read it. The story centers around two girls, across the world from each other, being pen pals as part of a school project. Neyah is in Kenya, where she lives in a hut. She has no electricity, or running water, and has to keep her eye out for lions or bandits who could kill her. She walks over 5 miles a day to fetch water for her family to survive (cooking, washing, bathing, gardening). Dirty water, filled with bacteria, that people bathe in and animals drink from. She often misses school for these water runs. She hates it, but it is the way, it’s all she knows. Until her teacher tells the class their water may be making them sick or even killing them. Neyah sets to change the way of life for her family and her village. Abby lives in the US and daydreams about seeing Justin Beiber in concert, or getting her own cell phone, and having sleep overs. She has no idea where Neyah lives but Googles it. She is a typical American girl. But her penpal opens her eyes, and changes her life. The girls band together on a life saving and life changing mission. I don’t know if this book is based on a real story, but it totally could be. It is so well written and such an inspiration. I warn you, prepare for the emotions to flow.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-07-15 17:49:192023-07-17 07:58:49Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Gardens are places for healing and Mona has dedicated a portion of her land to young people who’ve been through some extremely traumatic experiences to come for healing. It’s a project she’s wanted to do for years and with the help of local professionals, she’s hoping that the program will become completely funded and acceptable.
When Mona gets sick and finds herself in the hospital, her business partner calls her grand daughter Holly to come be at her side. Kit isn’t impressed with Holly and wishes Mona hadn’t wanted her called. Afterall, she’s a party going, money hungry leech and Mona doesn’t need that right now.
What Kit doesn’t know is that he’s completely wrong about Holly. Will the program pass all the inspections with Mona unable to attend to the daily tasks? Can he figure out what Holly’s about and look past his previous preconceived notions?
This was a fun afternoon read! There were a few times I had to stop and look up a word, as the author is an Aussie and uses some terminology I’m not familiar with. However, it was minor and I learned some new words and spent an afternoon in a great book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-07-15 17:35:052023-07-17 07:58:43Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Julie Johnson
What a way for Isla Vaughn to begin Phoenix and Aspen’s story than with Cruel Start! Although this is just a short novella in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, it packs quite a punch! Isla Vaughn is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with the way in which she weaves her stories. I feel like I am transported wherever her characters are. And speaking of characters, they are believable, relatable, and surprisingly realistic, even if a tad over the top sometimes. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the undeniable chemistry between Aspen and Phoenix. I cannot wait to see where the rest of their story goes!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2023-07-15 16:43:072023-07-17 07:58:37Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Mandy Ott
Notebook Mysteries~Parisian Intrigue is the sixth book in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. In this book, we follow Emma on an all-expenses paid trip to Paris along with Jeremy, Dora, and Tim. Although this trip is suspicious to them, they cannot resist the opportunity to experience the city of Paris. As usual, this is a wonderfully written story. There are two mysteries starring a young and bodies turning up. This story is full of mystery, intrigue, and twists. Emma is one of my favorite characters and it is fun to take a look at how her relationships have deepened and how she constantly gets better as a sleuth. I love this series so much!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2023-07-15 16:37:552023-07-17 07:58:31Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by La Toya Lewis
A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo is available now in eBook and Physical Book ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
A Toast for Laurent is a small town, fake relationship, second chance at romance novel. This novel is the first installment of the Vine Valley series, introducing us to the story of Laurent and Phoebe. After 20 years Phoebe is back to commit to the pact of marrying Laurent if they were both single at the age of 40. However, Laurent has moved on, Phoebe broke his heart all those years ago when she walked out and never looked back.
This is a new to me author. Theresa Paolo is known for writing novels about sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and feisty townspeople. The characters within this novel, to include the secondary characters, are relatable and well developed. Laurent was strong willed, successful, and full of life. Phoebe was insecure and selfish. I quickly found myself falling in love with Laurent and disliking Phoebe. This quickly changed as I learned the reasoning behind the shield that Phoebe held close. Paolo knows how to immediately draw her readers in and secure them for the remainder of the novel. I couldn’t put this one down, needing to know exactly what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the small town, second chance at love genre. I can’t wait to see what else this series has in store.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mertzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mertz2023-07-15 16:26:182023-07-17 07:58:25A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Ashley Mertz
This is the first book in the Vine Valley series and it’s a great introduction to the Grasso family. This book has 2 romance tropes a second chance as well as one of my favourites, a fake relationship.
The story was well constructed and the author’s descriptive language painted vivid images of the characters and the surrounding scenery. The characters were also written well, their emotions were evident, especially those of Laurent towards Phoebe. I admit, to begin with I wasn’t Phoebe’s biggest fan and thought Laurent deserved better, but as the story unfolded, I came to understand the reasons behind he actions a little better and she grew on me.
I enjoyed this and I look forward to the next in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-07-15 16:22:262023-07-17 07:58:19A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Neyah, a 12-year-old girl from rural Kenya, Africa, befriends Abby, a girl the same age from the United States, via pen pal letters. The girls team up to help solve Neyah’s problem: she travels miles a day to fetch water for her family. This book is superably written! It’s obvious the author took time to research/experience life in rural Kenya. The friendship that forms between Abby and Neyah is a powerful one. This book reminds us of the value of friendship and the problems we can solve when we work together with others. The issues in this book are relevant and demand our attention as a society. I recommend this book for all older teens and adults. May we read it and be determined to take action ourselves.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennie M Bechtelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennie M Bechtel2023-07-15 13:25:282023-07-17 07:58:14Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennie M Bechtel
Well little Miss Goldilocks story has come a long way. In this story she has grown from breaking things to fixing things. Such a cute and fun story. I love how this author once again has impressed the readers with the new events. Her story is not only fast, but clear and easy for our children to follow. So much fun to read and get the children’s feedback. I wonder what will be next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2023-07-15 13:00:212023-07-17 07:58:08Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry
Twisted Oath, by A.S. Roberts, is the first book of the series Bound by Blood and my first experience with the author. This darker style of romance had me drawn in from the very beginning. I really felt like all the story element boxes for a good, suspenseful and interesting read were checked off. The characters and plot were so brilliantly fleshed out. Serafina and Salvatore brought an intense but believable amount of chemistry and emotion to the storyline that made this very difficult to put down. If you love the mafia romance genre, this one is absolutely worth checking out. I am excited to see what comes next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2023-07-15 11:32:552023-07-17 07:58:02Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Katie Turner
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A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
