I really enjoyed both of the stories in this set. Both of them were well written and quite emotional to read. I enjoyed getting to know more about the characters and more about Logans background. The first book Bella is about Logan’s Great-Grandmother Norah and Giovanni and their story was really sweet to read, I enjoyed being transported back in time to read about their lives. In Jagged Dawn we come back to Logans life and follow her story for a while as she mourns the loss of her husband. These two stories start before the Logan McKenna Mysteries series begins and I would highly recommend reading them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2022-03-11 09:49:322022-03-11 09:49:32Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews
This is two prequels in one, to a series of books so I would recommend that you be aware of that before starting at least. They are both beautiful novels and wonderfully vivid reads that will set you up beautifully for the Logan McKenna Mystery books. I loved the sweet and heartwarming story of Norah and her violin in the first book and how that tied the gorgeous cover into the book. She is so relatable and I just loved everything about her. This book was deeply rooted in history and storytelling and I felt like I was taken on the most unique history lesson but in the most unique way. In book two we learned the background of Logan McKenna, who is the Great Granddaughter of Norah. How cool huh! The violin also plays more into this one as well. I really liked how the books were separate but not. I look forward to seeing if we will be getting more in this series of books or not, fingers crossed for the more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2022-03-10 14:48:452022-03-10 17:58:57Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Liz Vrchota
Two stories in one book. These are prequels to the Logan McKenna series. I enjoyed learning about Logan’s background in both stories. I now plan to read the Logan McKenna series from start to finish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2022-03-08 07:37:282022-03-08 07:37:28Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Paula R Sayers
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. This prequel combo was beautifully written. Learning about Bella’s origin and how it got to Logan was an exciting and emotional journey. The McKenna women are strong and resilient. I now have to go read all of the other books. The author is great at creating a world you can get lost in. 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 Howard2022-03-07 07:18:592022-03-07 07:18:59Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amber Poole
I was late to the party on this one and I’m most grateful for grace ❣️ I’m a firm believer in things happen for a reason and even with my books I believe I read them when I’m meant to and I read this later than I was supposed to because I believe it can at the right time , a time when my heart needed comfort , it felt like I was sitting at Norahs feet and listening to her story of how Bella came about and how Logan came to have the honour of having Bella .
Now this book is made of 2 books and while I’d love to honour each one in it’s entirety they really flow , go hand in hand and I’m so grateful I had this chance to experience it this way ….
In Bella I met Giovanni and I teared up more than once at the injustice some folk have to endure because of another’s greed but there’s always a silver lining and Giovanni eventually lives his dreams out with Norah and Elsie .
The way Giovanni describes how a he or even his “ teacher”!made a violin made me hungry to hear it’s beautiful sound and having played the violin myself for many years I actually had goosebumps on a few occasions! I think that’s where my love of classical music started , in any case I could hear the music in my minds eye and this story about Bella was so beautifully written ❣️
So I finished off Bella on a sad but beautiful note and I’m curious to learn more about Logan and thankfully all I had to do was turn the page to continue on my journey into “Jagged Dawn”
Logan is married to Jack who seems to enjoy his clients and liquor more than her and I had to try and keep an open mind and not take an instant dislike to the man , so be warned 🤞but there’s their daughter Amy , who’s independent and taking a gap year on a year long internship as an assistant to a photographer traveling through the African continent!
Then my blood runs cold while they’re at Antonio’s but it seems I was a little hasty and just as I catch my breath I near but have a panic ….poor Logan , I didn’t think I could read any further for all the tears and again I was treated for pushing through and now I’m just hungry for more !
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2022-03-01 21:30:472022-03-01 21:30:47Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Heidi Sturgess
This is a series that I absolutely love, and each book adds to it. So to get a chance to see how it all started was something I could not pass up. I was hooked on these short stories from the moment I started reading. Although both were quick reads I was drawn into was drawn ino each story and could not stop reading. I love the way this author creates such additive stories. Her books all have a great flow about them, developed perfectly with amazing characters. This was a great way to continue a series I have come to love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-03-01 21:24:172022-03-01 21:24:17Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kerry Baker
Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings are the two prequels in the Logan McKenna Mystery series by Valerie Davisson. Even though these tow books are part of the Logan McKenna Mystery series, they are quite different from the mysteries I was expecting. They are more like women’s fiction with a strong emotional component. This is two stories in one. The first, Bella, takes us way back in time (50+ years) and introduces us to Norah, who is Logan’s great-grandmother; and how she meets Giovanni, the Italian immigrant who hand crafts a beautiful violin, Bella, which goes on to become the family heirloom. A sweet and interesting story. The second story Jagged Dawn comes forward in time to Logan, but set before Shattered (Book One in the series). Again, this story is more of a women’s fiction- with emotion and drama. It follows Logan through the loss of her husband and into an unknown future, following as Logan picks up the pieces to find a way to move on. Another interesting story that gives us a little more insight into Logan’s character, as well as her background story to the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-03-01 07:43:422022-03-01 07:43:42Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings (Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Angela Hayes
This book truly takes you through the emotions with the characters! I haven’t felt this connected to a book in a really long time, and its nice to not be able to put it down. I enjoy knowing there is more to come as it is nice to look forward to your next read. This book will make you smile, make you cry and leave you wanting more. Its fantastic!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kay Striteskyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKay Stritesky2022-03-01 07:33:112022-03-01 07:33:11Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings (Logan McKenna Series) Review by Kay Stritesky
5 Stars Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson I’m completely blown away by these wonderfully written stories, both prequels for my favorite series The Logan McKenna Mystery Series. Both of these stories pulled me in from the beginning and I literally blocked put the outside world. I was so drawn to the characters and the story that went along with them. This author is one of my favorites and every book is my favorite. The first story we read about Logan’s great grandmother and about a violin that gets passed down several generations. My emotions were all over the place with this one. Loved it. The second is a short story that places us right before Logan’s world is shattered and its fast paced and just hard to put down as the first story. I highly recommend reading this book it’s definitely worth the time I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next.
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 Daughenbaugh2022-02-28 07:55:062022-02-28 07:55:06Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Beautiful love story of two people that found each other. This one kept me wanting more and it was a fast read. Captivating in all areas, will not disappoint you one bit. The author does a great job of inviting you into this story. Looking forward to reading more and more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2022-02-27 11:35:422022-02-27 11:35:42Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Nina Maes
These are two beautiful stories full of hope and heartfelt emotion that you won’t want to miss. I really enjoyed the world that the author creates as she is setting up the background for the series. These are two different stories that meld together seamlessly. The author has a way of creating such vivid pictures with her words that you become totally immersed in the story. I was swept away by the depth of connection between Norah and Giovanni and the beautiful family history woven throughout. Both of these stories have amazing characters in them that had me hooked from the very first page and very eager to delve into the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elenahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElena2022-02-26 07:50:182022-02-26 07:50:18Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson-Review by Elena Tobar
Two stories in one, both prequels to the Logan McKenna Mystery series. Bella: An Appalachian Love Story, I loved reading about the hardships of a time so long ago. Being raised by her grandfather, which I can relate to as my grandmother raised me, Norah, finds happiness in the things her Aunt Leila taught her medicinally and her grandfather taught her musically. To be given a gift of a $7.00 violin from the Sears catalog was an amazing for Norah. I loved the way the story went from past to present, giving so much background and history. Jagged Dawn: Logan’s beginnings, we meet Logan McKenna, the great granddaughter of Norah. Can Logan fight through all the ups and downs and have some new beginnings? And what is in the mysterious package? I love the strong characters in these two prequels and cling to the fact that we can prevail through anything.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Packardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Packard2022-02-25 16:58:362022-02-25 18:49:50Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Angela Packard
This book has two beautiful stories full of hope and inspiration. Both characters face challenges yet they both overcome. The details are described in such a way that a clear picture just forms in your head. The stories are well written. The characters are so beautiful done (very relatable). You just can’t stop the stories once you start. I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-02-25 11:44:022022-02-25 18:42:17Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shelly Kittell
I began these wonderful stories and it was so amazing, and perfect that I finished it in one sitting. Both stories were full of amazing characters, love, dreams, hope, and sacrifice. The writing was just purely amazing the author did such a wonderful job capturing their audience and taking us on an emotional ride through her story. While the two stories were connected, they were also both unique in their own way. But in the long run they both flowed together beautifully and naturally, so if your looking for a great new author to try or a new story to read then pick this one up today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2022-02-25 10:07:572022-02-25 10:07:57Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Stephanie nicole
I can say without hesitation that I most certainly shed a couple tears during the love story of Norah, and Giovanni, and the connection that can only be shared by those with familial ties. I have experienced a couple of great losses within the last couple years and felt the emotions that this author wanted to convey on an even higher level. The artistry she includes within her writing style to allow the reader to fall deep into the Appalachian hills, the scenery described, and the lifestyle all hit the mark for me, and I couldn’t put it down.
Jagged Dawn brought to light this authors ability to really make you feel the main characters, their hopes, and wants, and dreams, and understand what a person will do and what they can withstand when they MUST. It ended a little abruptly, in turn, however, makes me want to read more! To me, both novella and the short story expressed hope, want, need, love, care, and understanding, as well as an independence of the characters that is both admired and envied. I have yet to read any of her other written works, but very much look forward to doing so soon. Looking for a quick, emotion-filled read? Pick this up, I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-02-25 07:50:042022-02-25 07:50:04Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amy Brennan
What could be better than two stories in one book and both prequels to one of my favourite series the Logan McKenna Mystery series. Bella: An Appalachian Love Story is a beautiful story about a woman named Norah who is an ancestor of Logan, her great grandmother. She lives in North America where Appalachian culture is known for its literature and music. Giovanni is an immigrant from Italy, who moves to the area. When the two meet it creates beautiful music for the two. Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings is a very short story which tells of tragedy and Logan’s beginnings. Through this tragedy she learns to rediscover the beauty that comes from the greatest gift in her life and that she can survive. Both tales tell the story of love and loss, hope and beauty, pain and suffering, strength, and survival. Reviewed by @jennadb
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-02-23 22:47:592022-02-23 22:47:59Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her yet. I am always excited when I pick up one of her books. I know that I am in for a great story that is hard to put down. I enjoy how she pulls me into her stories from the beginning. This book is no different. These are well written stories that have characters that are not only connectable but make their stories pop. They kept the story engaging and made it entertaining to read. This is a book that has two prequel stories for my favorite character Logan. She is a strong character that just makes the stories for me. They are fast paced and kept me coming back for more. In the first story we get to see Logan’s great grandmother and a violin that gets passed down from generation to generation. The second book takes us to the place days before Logan’s life is shattered. I really enjoyed each story and seeing a little bit more about Logan. This is a great pick up and so worth it. I highly recommend this book and this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-02-23 07:58:022022-02-23 07:58:02Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Bobbi Wagner
I had just began tis book today, and I finished both beautiful and moving stories in just one sitting. I was so moved, I was a violin player before, so this one really spoke to me at first glance. I did not expect my heart to feel so much as I read. Both stories impacted me, in more than one way.
For me in the account of both stories, I moved by the overalls story on both. Both involved a hope and a dream, and as well, a love like no other.. I found both came with a lot of love and a lot of sacrifice. I really connected with the characters in both stories. The author had woven a story on both accounts that gives feelings, emotions, and that impact you would only hope to gain from reading a story. I f finished both and I felt so much, I wanted more, I loved the writing technique and how the author drew me in and held me, and played a song on my own heart strings as I read. Beautiful written words, truly flowed throughout my reading. I thank this author for this beautiful gift they created. Loved this book!
The two stories, were both different but yet connected and flowed ever so perfectly. I was moved and felt I was watching a musical act that is best felt from within your heart. Loved this book, and loved the author. Highly recommend this book and author. I will for sure be reading more by this gifted author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-02-21 15:09:592022-02-21 15:09:59Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Running from the law, talented violin maker, Giovanni, arrives at Ellis Island determined to head west to fulfill his dreams. He makes it as far as Appalachia, where he meets Norah, an independent young widow and herbalist who introduces him to the magnificent hills she calls home. Then tragedy strikes. Will their love conquer all?
JAGGED DAWN short story
Join Logan McKenna for the final days before the fatal accident that rips away her comfortable illusions and launches her into the unknown. Will she thrive or just survive?
A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow, reading long after lights out. A life of travel led to degrees in Anthropology and a pervasive interest in people. She lives on the Oregon coast with her husband, John, and their new puppy, Finn. When not working on her latest book she is probably in the kitchen, cooking up a storm for family and friends.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Bella-Jagged-Cover-2-1.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-02-20 00:03:392022-04-11 19:29:25Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
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