I was so excited to get to read book two of the Reed brother adventures! I thought the author did a great job in this follow up book in keeping the mysteries fresh and exciting. If you haven’t, you will definitely want to go back and read book one, which introduces the boys and their gifts. I loved the continuing friendship between Jon, Frank, and Mira and seeing how they continue to help and support each other. We see that things are getting weirder for Jon and Frank as their powers continue to manifest. I enjoyed see how the author balanced the Zodiac Games, a competition between the houses, with unpredictable rules and changes and the different the struggles the twins were experiencing. This series is definitely giving me Harry Potter/Percy Jackson vibes and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I am so excited to see what happens in the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2023-09-03 10:05:252023-09-14 08:06:12The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Isla has done it again! This series is SO GOOD!!! I haven’t read them all (YET!), but all the ones I have read, have hooked and reeled me in so quick! You don’t HAVE to read the others in the set to read this one, BUT you WILL want to! Trust me!!!! There is also a prequel to this book that gives you a small intro into Phoenix and Aspen’s story. Again you don’t HAVE to read it, but again I would totally recommend it!! You will not be sorry buy reading them all. You will thank me (or better yet the author) when you do! This book is also NOT a stand alone. There is another book to their story after this one (book 6). Okay so to the book!…. Phoenix is a football QB superstar. Just starting in college football with his brother (Shane) and his cousins (Cole and Damon), who he played with and dominated in high school with (You can read more about them in the other books!), his goals are clear. NFL here he comes! Until one night over the summer, throws his plans for a huge loop. Aspen has goals of her own. Surf board shop with her sister. She designs the boards and her sister designs surf clothing. Neither one want or need a relationship. Having bad role models in the love department growing up, they both don’t want anything to do with relationships. They both have to stay focused on school and their dreams. Well Miss Aspen decides to give up her v-card that summer before college and to both their surprise she gets pregnant!! Yep total wrench in both their plans. Now what can they do? He plans a fake relationship to keep the other girls off his back and she agrees to keep her parents off hers’. What could go wrong there, right? Well minus the fact that they can’t be in the same room with each other without fighting!! This book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you RUNNING to get the next book in the series. Trust me when I say, this series is that good!! I can’t wait to read the rest!! With a fake relationship, sports, a pregnancy, and plenty of back and forth banter you will love this enemies to lovers bully romance. I won’t give away anything, but let me tell you the ending had me on my toes!! Grab this one NOW!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2023-09-03 09:43:212023-09-14 08:05:47Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
Rocketships made of Stars is another amazing kids book written by Lois Wickstrom. I read this story to my daughter and she absolutely loved it. I feel like the book was a little bit of educational teaching the kids about stars. The illustration was done beautifully. I would recommend this book to kids no older then 9 years old.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-09-03 07:54:242023-09-14 08:05:06Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink
Shirl takes her alien friend Eee-ahh to school with her.
The kids figure out that Eee-ahh is an alien, because she is green and has an antenna. The teacher asks Eee-ahh where she is from. Eee-ahh draws a map of the stars — She circles a constellation that looks like a rocket ship. The sky looks the same, but Eee-ahh gives all the constellations different names.
Lois Wickstrom lives in a world where imaginary playmates are real. She doesn’t remember being born, so she finds unbirthdays are more exciting than the official once-a-year date on the calendar. She’s taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales.
She writes by herself. She writes with co-authors. She asks illustrators what they would like to draw. If she ever writes her autobiography, the title will be My Life as a Group Project.
Her mother used to get angry with her for daydreaming. Her little sister picked on her. So she lived in books and wrote her own stories in which the bad-guys made sense, and the good-guys had a chance. As she has grown older, her imagination has grown weirder. Even she doesn’t know what she will write next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rocketship-cover-300.jpg300300itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-09-03 00:01:262023-09-16 21:24:15Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom
So his best friend’s a prince but Lev is a man in uniform! Bodyguard to a prince, he certainly catches Daphne’s eye even if they can’t stand each other! It’s always fun to read an enemies-to-lovers story and watch the characters fight their true feelings! Another brilliant book in this series but perfect as a standalone too! Go read it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gillianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGillian2023-09-02 23:58:032023-09-14 08:04:51Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Gillian Fawell
Wow! This book was smoking! An everyday girl, a gorgeous prince and a whole lot of spice! This is a fairytale romance for grownups! And only book 1 of a series so there’s plenty more to come! I can’t wait to read more – this one is highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gillianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGillian2023-09-02 23:36:342023-09-14 08:04:45Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1 by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Gillian Fawell
This fabulous story is the worst thing I have read in a while. This beautifully written story made me so much more emotional than I expected and I am angry at the author for it. There was the touching scene between Hastings and Adrian in the hospital. Then the hilarious interview that put Jillian in her place. Then that twist, that twist of the knife to my heart, was not necessary.
Let me set the stage…Adrian is finally back on tour with his band, the hottest rock band on the planet Sign of a Scandal, after taking a year off. The hiatus was sudden and not necessarily wanted by the rest of the band. There is some tension between bandmates. Not to mention that there is a whole heap of pressure on Adrian to continue to spit out hit songs for the band to complete the one album left on their current record deal. The only problem is that Adrian has hit a massive case of writer’s block.
Adrian travels in his own bus for several reasons but mostly because of his OCD and germophobia. After being on the road for a week, Adrian realizes that he has a stowaway on his bus. Hastings. Hastings is a 13-year-old that has managed to tuck herself into the small spaces on the bus to stay hidden until this slip up. There are several tense moments, anger, things said, and finally some truths revealed. Adrian agrees to allow Hastings to ride with him to New Orleans, where she plans to leave.
Along the journey, Adrian and Hastings develop a comfortable friendship. Hastings manages to convince him to go after a new love. The situation comes to a boil when Hastings collapses outside of Adrian’s bus and is discovered. The health issues that Hastings had not disclosed to Adrian reared their ugly head. Everyone misconstrues the nature of Adrian and Hastings’ relationship. As Adrian’s world continues to crumble, he must make some big decisions.
I won’t give it away. But I will say that the way the author handled the reveal of his decision was classy and perfect. I am still angry about getting left in my feelings but I will put that aside to say, this was one helluva fantastic 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 Policicchio2023-09-02 22:11:432023-09-14 08:04:32A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by M Policicchio
This is a very emotional book but one that should be shared with all young pet owners. In this story, Shadow, who is the stray cat that keeps showing up, has stopped eating like normal. Oscar and Emmy’s owners notice a lump on Shadow’s belly, so they take her to the vet. The news is not good and now they must all say goodbye to Shadow.
Very gently written in a way that young children can have a better understanding of what happens when pets become too sick. I would recommend this for all pet owners, especially those of the younger generation.
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 Johnson2023-09-02 20:24:152023-09-14 07:45:38Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Julie Johnson
Isla Vaugh did it again! If you’ve read the previous books in this series you knew Cruel Hate would get your blood pumping and she did not disappoint! Phoenix and Aspen are connected forever after a one night stand left Aspen pregnant. Now in college, they decide to start a fake relationship that should be mutually beneficial. Phoenix is still a hot head with NFL dreams. Aspen is an artist with dreams of opening her own business. A baby may complicate things, but both are determined to be their best for the baby. Cruel Hate also brings in some family drama that was previously only alluded to. The cliff hanger means I need to read the next installment now! Can’t wait to see how their HEA happens!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Pesekhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Pesek2023-09-02 20:22:012023-09-14 07:43:53Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek
I found this to be a book you can’t necessarily sit down and read cover-to-cover. It’s helpful to read the poetic descriptions of a card and the thoughts the author has written to go with it, then step away and let the information marinate. This isn’t like a classic Tarot book, which can seem somewhat technical. I feel like this work has more of a gentle flow to it that softens the information and allows it sink into your subconscious. An interesting reading experience.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2023-09-02 18:37:212023-09-14 07:43:44Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Naomi McDonald
A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld. This is a very emotional, moving read. I really enjoyed it. Its the story of famous Adrian a famous rock and roll star who is reeling from a break up. He has even lost his ability to create more music. While struggling on his tour, one night he finds Hastings, a 13 year old runaway, hiding on his bus. Normally Adrian would just kick her off and send her back home but something about her makes him feel again. Hastings talks him into letting her travel at least so far with them and in the process they begin to become closer. She reveals to him that she can “see color in music” and begins to help him write again. When they find out her parents are both dead from a tragic accident he agrees to let her stay until New Orleans. In the mean time Adrian meets Sasha-Rae and sparks fly. He can’t believe how much he feels for this woman so quickly. This new relationship will set of tragic events that could destroy all of them. Will all of their past secrets come to haunt them all? Read this wonderful book to find out.
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 Treadway2023-09-02 14:51:082023-09-14 07:42:25A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Tausha Treadway
Before I say anything about this story, let’s start with reading this in the order this series is meant to be read. This is one of the most highly explosive stories I have read in a long time. This is Phoenix and Aspen’s story. Let me tell you these two are the strongest and most dedicated people I know. Nothing comes easy for them. School, families, friends and doing what is right, all comes with a price. So let me ask, can this couple get through this? Will they withstand all of the obstacles laid out for them? Will their love be stronger than what they have both seen in their own family? The story has so many twists and turns. It is a fast paced page turner for sure. I will give you NO Spoilers as you need to read this book to believe the strength Phoenix and Aspen have. This author has always been on my favorite list, this one puts her at the top. As here I sit waiting for the next book in this series. I love this series and look forward to reading the next installment.
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 Mayberry2023-09-02 14:32:552023-09-14 07:41:34Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry
This is the second book in the Things Unseen Series. I would recommend reading these books in order as it will give you a better understanding of the characters and why they find themselves in the position they are in now. We are back with Con and Neve. After they barely survived their first adventure together they are asked to help Con’s brother and his partner Ciara. After Ciara starts suffering with a mysterious illness that means she harms herself while she sleeps she is admitted to hospital. And this is where Con and Neve come in as they work together to uncover the reason before these episodes and hopefully find a way of stopping them. However things aren’t straight forward and their investigation leads them into danger as they try to get answers from Ciara’s ex and a cult leader has them in his sites. This is a fast paced Suspense story as we yet again see Con and Neve put themselves in danger trying to protect someone else. The twists and turns in this story were great. I never knew what to expect and I was gripped from beginning to end. Can Neve and Con help to get to the bottom of Ciara’s problems? What will they uncover along the way? And at what cost.
I loved this book. It was a great read that I couldn’t put down.
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 Carr2023-09-02 13:38:342023-09-14 07:41:05Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Kerry Carr
This was a quick read for me. It was an engaging story with a main character you root for. She really wanted to get down to the bottom of the issue. The author built the story in a way that keeps you invested. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2023-09-02 09:48:062023-09-14 07:39:23Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Trish Ann
Book two of this series. It was amazing. These two have been through a lot. Ian and Jared are headed to Maldarehm, the pirate haven. Since the isles Jarryd likes to keep his link closed and Ian open all the time. There is something strange about where they are. Ian is cautious about the place and Jarryd is a little weary but is more excited to discover where they are. Can the boys go back to the way they were before? Ready to book three.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amelia Stansellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmelia Stansell2023-09-02 08:48:422023-09-14 07:38:48Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Amelia Stansell
The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills by B.E. Padgett. This is a fun urban fantasy which is aimed at middle school aged children (9 – 12 years old)- but really can be enjoyed by any age (7 years and up). This paranormal tale continues the adventures of Jon and Frank Reed, the 10yr old perceptually gifted twins we met in the first instalment. They attend ‘West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted’, a magical academy- as Jon and Frank have magical gifts that they are still learning to control. This story has them excited to compete in the “Zodiac Games” and they hope to help bring their house the title of champion. But strange things are happening- with disturbing dreams, a sinister shadowy figure, unsettling events, and a dangerous outbreak of paranoia which has the twins struggling to figure it all out in time. Add in their large zany family, action, mystery, secrets, a little mayhem, banter, friendship, family dynamics, fun, quirky characters, agendas, and a touch of the unexpected- and we get quite an engrossing story. As I said previously, the Reeds reminded me of the Weasley’s from Harry Potter- and the story definitely has some Harry Potter/Percy Jackson vibes- but with its own unique identity, which I love. Looking forward to the next instalment- “An Oracle’s Handbook” (Book #2). Happy Reading…
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 Hayes2023-09-01 23:00:512023-09-14 07:37:12The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills Book #2) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Angela Hayes
Another great adventure with Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane. This trip takes them into a world where two Shinrees are worshiped as God’s and known as “The Twins”. Ian and Jarryd soon learn that things are not always as they seem. The character development was great in this book. I really felt like I got to know the personalities of the two better than the first in thos series. The writing just keeps getting better. This is book two, but you get to knkw the characters so well, you could read as a stand alone book, but you won’t want to. Another great fantasy book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Glaspiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Glaspie2023-09-01 22:08:122023-09-14 08:11:25Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Glaspie
My family loves it any time I bring in a book by this author, and this was no different. Though it is a shift in what her typical books have been, we still thoroughly appreciated the adventure. My kids are 7 and 11, which I found to be a great fit for the tough topics we cover in this story, like deportation. I wasn’t sure if my youngest would handle the tough moments well, but the author does an amazing job facing these with the utmost compassion. I highly recommend reading this with any of the kids in your life!
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 Kern2023-09-01 22:07:002023-09-14 08:10:56Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Shannen Kern
This was a brilliant second installment of this series, and just like the first book, I was absolutely drawn in instantly. Both of my kiddos truly enjoyed the continuation at West Hills with the Zodiac Games! I am definitely not the target age range here, but I was still engrossed throughout the entire book. The flow is wonderful, the characters are so relatable, and I find myself very much looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this for the kids in your life, but you may even find yourself enjoying it as an adult as well!
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 Kern2023-09-01 21:58:322023-09-14 08:10:50The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Shannen Kern
Perfect title, perfectly intriguing book. This is the first book I have read by the incredible Anise Storm, yes this is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. That said, I will certainly be going back to learn more about Viviana and Nazario. Deadly Vengeance is dual perspectives of Luca and Valenzia. Luca has grown up in New Orleans, but after the recent passing of his mother all her secrets come unraveled in the form of her journals. He had grown up thinking he had no father, no family outside of his mother as his maternal great grandparents died shortly before and after his birth. Valenzia has grown up sheltered to the extreme. Her parents have shielded her and her siblings from the harsh realities of not only their lives but the world, and those in it. While she had heard rumors of what her parents had done, she never believed them until she accidentally took her mother’s diaries from home. Instantly she learned that her mother was nothing but omissions and lies, her entire life built on them. Suddenly, she needs to know more, after confronting her mother she goes to Palermo in sure of her mother’s enemies. Luca is out for vengeance on the woman that caused his mother to flee all those years ago from her home. Keeping him from knowing his father, his family and learning his truth heritage. His vengeance for Viviana leads him to Valenzia who is the spitting image of her mother, his plan is set, but when she shows up in his town asking about his father, he takes the chance to take her early. The only thing he didn’t expect was the chemistry, the electricity that ignites not only himself but Valenzia. Who will succeed in their vengeance? Can Valenzia’s father rescue her, or will she be forced to carry out what her mother failed to do? The author’s ability to bring not just the beautiful scenery to life but the characters. You feel their fear in the most visceral moments, and your heart breaks when their hopes crumple. Will the sins of their parents finally have justice or will history repeat? I couldn’t help but devour each page faster than the one before it as a raced through the pages to see what would happen next. Can they truly get a happy ending born of vengeance and pain? I cannot wait to read the next installment and see what will happen next in this Italian Empire.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-09-01 21:49:532023-09-14 08:10:43Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Ayla Phipps
This story picks up on year 2 at West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for the Reed twins. It’s going to be a better year because everything is better then the first year!
The big announcement is the Zodiac Games. They only come along every 3 years and this happens to be that year! A mixture of physical skills and intelluctual abilities will be the focus of this super fun event. When a handful of students start getting sick, the Games become a low point of priority. Bigger issues arise when the military becomes involved and Jon and Frank find themselves under tight scrutiny.
I loved this book and read it pretty quickly in one afternoon. It will hold attention and is really hard to put down! While this is the second book in a series, this could be read as a standalone with minimal loss to the back story. I am super excited to read the next book in this middle grade series! This is great for fans of Sky High, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games!
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 Johnson2023-09-01 21:26:402023-09-14 08:10:37The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Julie Johnson
This book is book 2 in the Reeds of West Hills series. This is a great middle grade series, and I have been really enjoying the creativity, suspense, and world building that is going into it. This series is about 11 –year-old gifted twins, Jon and Frank Reed, are set to return to West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for the second year (though their first full year). The boys have missed their school, and their friends even though they were able to spend some time with Mira over the summer at a conference for the perceptually gifted and their families. The boys are also excited when they learn that the school is set to hold their Zodiac Games, a competition that occurs every 3 years. The competition is between the houses to see which house is the best. What nobody expects is the darker, more sinister game that someone else on campus is playing, and trying to manipulate Jon and Frank into being a part of. This gets especially dangerous when all of the telepathy students start coming down with an unknown illness, and Frank worries that he may be next, all while Jon deals with a dark and shadowy figure in his dreams that seems to be determined to get something from him.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candice Esteshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandice Estes2023-09-01 21:24:332023-09-14 08:10:30The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by
Great story full of culture, family and life lessons. Great characters, strong storyline. Recommend for new chapter readers and a read out loud group setting. This story will capture your heart and keep you wanting more. Never disappointed with this author, puts their heart in every story.Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great story full of culture, family and life lessons. Great characters, strong storyline. Recommend for new chapter readers and a read out loud group setting. This story will capture your heart and keep you wanting more. Never disappointed with this author, puts their heart in every story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2023-09-01 20:45:382023-09-14 08:10:14Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Nina Maes
A friendship created through a penpal program between a girl in the 3rd grade from the USA and a boy in Ukraine. Amaleigha is excited to learn about her penpal through the letters exchanged between her and her new friend Vova. Not only are these kids learning about each other but also about the rich history of Ukraine and about the United States. As they get to know each other better, Vova shares that his family and the villagers are worried about the war with Russia. It is good to see the different experience these 3rd graders are learning about through their penpal. My children enjoyed the book as we read and discussed the current situation in Ukraine.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-09-01 20:36:242023-09-14 08:10:07Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Betsy Melano
I am harder on sequels than debuts of a series, but was impressed with The Secrets…. starting with the fact the monochromatic and powerful cover doesn’t give away the plot. The story continues the twins second year at their special school for their unique abilities. The introduction picks up in summer, and enjoyed “attending” the conference with the twins. One thing I appreciated the interweaving of real historical artifacts and stories within the fictional story.
I enjoyed how we learn more about not only the twins, but their relationships with both peers and educators, and especially Jon we learn more about his worries. The Zodiac Games was an interesting twist (reminded me of Harry Potter #4), but enjoyed how empathy was shown throughout all the competition, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The continuation of the dreams from book #1 added to the plot, and is a strong point of this author.
I felt the pacing was slower in this book, and the conclusion was a little rushed (but at the same time, I know it is an a series, so it might be more resolved in the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-09-01 20:32:592023-09-14 08:10:00The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Jennifer Crain
This was the best book in the series thus far. It gave me everything I need in a supernatural romance novel. First off the romance between Kodiak and Tam is hot. The chemistry is felt throughout the book. They are both strong minded people but they match each other. There is plenty of action in the story and the info they learn about the blood opal is interesting. I’d definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys supernatural romance.
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 Howard2023-09-01 20:24:432023-09-14 08:09:51Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Amber Howard
This is the second book in the Reeds of West Hills series. We again follow Frank and Jon, this time following their progress and the Zodiac Games. The emotions in this book felt deeper and the plot more defined. The story was again well-written, fun and engaging, with had more of an emotional impact with how the pair felt and reacted to their issues, feeling alone and overcoming the obstacles in the paths. There is once again mystery and adventure in this fantasy book for young teens, but can also be enjoyed as an adult. The writing is age appropriate and flows nicely. I look forward to finding out what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-09-01 19:26:462023-09-14 08:09:17The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This is the first book in the Reeds of West Hills series. This falls into the 9-12 year old fantasy category but as an adult I still found reading this book an enjoyable experience. The story focuses on twins Jon and Frank, and the magical gifts they are learning to control at their magical school. The writing was age appropriate and easy to follow, setting up the series nicely. The plot was fun and entertaining, keeping me engaged throughout with wit mystery and adventure. I certainly enjoyed reading this, and will move straight onto the second 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.pngRebeca2023-09-01 19:06:562023-09-14 08:08:58The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
As children they fall and love. Then they are forced to be separated. After years apart there love is still as strong as before. Once reunited it seems they’re connection is still as strong. I really recommend this love story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Diazhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Diaz2023-09-01 18:27:452023-09-14 08:08:50A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Angela Renee Diaz
I cannot stress enough how good this entire series is. That being said every single book gets better and better. This particular book is about Aspen Reid and Phoenix Bennett. Phoenix was one of my favorite character throughout the books. He always seems calm, cool and quiet. This book is about how Phoenix and Aspen hooked up one night and now she is pregnant and they both go to the same college so see eachother regularly. They are “fake dating” the mean girls are all over Aspen every chance they get. Luckily she has a few girls in her corner.
These two characters are both such strong lovable characters but they can’t get on the same page. Phoenix grew up without a dad and he refuses to let his child grow up the same way. He’s always giving Aspen money for things, but she doesn’t really want that. I mean, yea it helps but she just wants him there. To ask how she’s feeling, show up and ask how doctor appointments went.
Phoenix grew up having a very strong relationship with his grandfather. His grandfather snaps his fingers and they jump. When his grandfathers asks him to do one thing, he doesn’t know if he will be able to however, he HAS TO!!! There will be consequences if he doesn’t follow through with grandfathers orders. The way this book ended was crazy. I was like NO WAY!!! I usually hate books with cliffhangers but Jeez, this author just sucks her readers in with every word she writes. Another great book to add to this amazing series and cannot wait to see what happens on the next few books! Grab your copies today. Seriously what are you waiting for. You will thank me!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Mulveyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Mulvey2023-09-01 18:24:422023-09-14 08:08:26Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Mulvey
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