This book is a wonderfully written very descriptive story by an obviously talented author. It will keep you captivated from start to finish and is filled with such vivid imagery you truly will feel as if you are there seeing and experiencing everything right along with the characters. Speaking of characters, Emma is such a strong young woman and although she is a fictitious character she may well inspire you with her strength. This is the first book I have read by this fantastic author and I know it definitely will not be the last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2022-11-29 04:20:312022-11-29 14:02:50The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Jules Herbert
The action in this book never ends. It grabs you by the throat and keeps a good grip until the end. WOW!!!
Tink knows the harsh realities of being a sexual assault survivor. Tink, Shadow, and few friends have created a Motorcycle Club that helps break up sex trafficking rings, and then helps the survivors find their way. This is her mission, her life’s goal. When Tink starts being stalked by an unknown past, she is forced to face more than just this threat.
Tink is joined by several colorful characters, her best friend Shadow, her wanna-be boyfriend Noodles, her father Tank, and other various friends. The characters are so realistic and natural that you forget that they are fictional. I didn’t need another MC series in my life, but this one found me. Grab me a kutte, find me a road name, I am a Handmaiden sister for life!!!
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 Policicchio2022-11-28 23:20:112022-11-29 14:02:37Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by M Policicchio
I’m pretty picky when it comes to reading about an MC, there are only a couple that have kept me interested until now. An all female MC really peaked my interest so I thought I would give it a try. So glad I did, this is definitely a series I will be keeping up with.
Tink has quite the back story which sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. She has dealt with a lot but never let it or the fact she is a woman stop her. She has surrounded herself with some incredibly strong fearless women which I love.
L is exactly what Tink needs. He isn’t afraid of her but respects her and it shows. But he is also willing to jump in the middle if necessary no matter the situation.
This author is new to me, but I looked at her catalog and found a few more to read and I have already put the release date in for the next book in this series. I have a feeling these women are going to become close friends of mine.
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 Rankin2022-11-28 21:44:462022-11-29 14:02:05Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Robin Rankin
This was a really great read. I don’t think I have ever read a female MC book. The females were just as tough and intriguing as if it were a male MC. This is a great start to a great new series. Can’t wait to read more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimenezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimenez2022-11-28 21:04:212022-11-29 14:01:21Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Crystal Jimenez
While reading this book, I was constantly thinking – thinking I knew the truth, thinking I was a step ahead and then thinking I had no idea what I was talking about. Each chapter dove deeper into a complex dynamic between several people, with no clear understanding of truth. The author does a great job at developing characters who are ever changing, or perhaps the author just gives the perspective of change. This book had me curious to the very end and left me thinking about how anyone can have a multitude of stories based on different people’s perspectives.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amandahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda2022-11-28 18:15:042023-08-05 22:22:12And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Amanda Meady
**Trigger Warnings: Human Trafficking & SA** I’m a sucker for badass females and D.M Earl has delivered! I will say though…this book needs to come with trigger warnings because right off the bat it throws some very gnarly stuff the readers way. I am not usually triggered (typically because I’ve read the warnings and have been able to prepare myself) but this caught me off guard and I actually had to put the book down and take a minute to collect myself. Now, I’m sure it’s not that way for everyone, but be warned there is talk of human trafficking and SA. Like I said, I would have been fine if there had been a trigger warning just letting me know. I absolutely love the way Earl develops her characters. They have this tragic backstory and instead of breaking them, they take it and use it to make themselves strong and resilient but not hardened. And I love a well-rounded female badass who is tough and independent, but doesn’t let that stand in the way of being vulnerable. The heat between Tink and Noodles is a perfect sizzle. I love how Earl uses this first book in the series to introduce us to many of the characters we will see in the follow-up books without loosing focus of Tink and Noodles. The plot line of this book is an emotional one and sometimes it’s hard to read, but D.M. Earl does it tastefully and respectfully. I love the premise of an all-female MC bringing down these horrible trafficking rings, rescuing the people, and bringing them back to their ranch to recover. Add to it that most, if not all, of the females in the MC have tragic backstories themselves, and it just means that much more. I really do recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the others in the series. Just please be warned…there are very sensitive topics discussed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Reahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Rea2022-11-28 14:34:432022-11-29 14:05:06Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Megan Conley
I love a good love story. I also love a good heroic story. This book has amazing characters tied into an even better plot. This is the first all female MC book I have ever read and it did not disappoint. There does need to be a trigger warning regarding sexual assault. As strong women do, Tink takes to helping human trafficking victims after going through her own traumatic experience.
Noodles comes into the picture and turns Tink’s world upside down. Or is it really the other way around? Regardless, these two are a cute duo trying to find themselves and help each other. I truly loved everything about this book and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic novels.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2022-11-28 14:02:352022-11-29 14:04:54Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Allyson Ware
Victims become survivors. Pain and suffering becomes winning and strength. Read Tink to see a tragedy become a love story with hope and retribution.
I love a strong female MC who goes beyond her past to make a better future, not only for herself but for others around her.
Through this book I couldn’t stop yelling “go Tink” throughout this book and cheering her on. I kept turning the page, and saying one more chapter. Then I realize what time it is and that I should REALLY go to bed.
D.M. Earl wrote this outstanding, page turning book, that I could not put down and I cannot wait to read more in the series. I cannot believe how great the storyline is, outside of the romance. Just what Tink was doing for herself and others around her. I immediately fell in love with Tink as the character and you could not ask for a better person!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Noldenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Nolden2022-11-28 12:56:572022-11-29 14:04:16Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Emily Nolden
This was a real page turner of a MC novel, which had me hooked from start to finish. Maggie “Tink” Rivers’ is President of the Devil’s Handmaidens MC, and along with her club she’s determined to rid the world of human traffickers. However, Tink is feeling overwhelmed between her club president duties, running her business and continuing the search for her sister who she fears is in the hands of human traffickers. Tink also feels as though something or someone is missing from her life, and then former Navy SEAL Ellington Rutledge walks into her life. Ellington is relocating to Montana for a fresh start and once he meets the fiery and beautiful president of the Devil’s Handmaidens MC, he hopes that she will be apart of that new start. As Tink and Ellington grow closer, Tink’s past comes back to haunt her, threatening to destroy them. When Tink’s life is in danger and her club is at stake, Ellington must save both Tink and the club before it’s too late. I was gripped throughout by this storyline and I loved the main characters, especially the badass Tink. Her and Ellington definitely had chemistry which sizzled off the page and I enjoyed how their relationship developed. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. I loved the idea of an all female MC, full of independent and strong women, as usually MC novels focus on male MC’s, which made this a unique read. The plot kept me guessing and happily turning the pages, as I could not put this book down. A great first book in a new series and I look forward to reading the next one.
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 Gordon2022-11-28 12:12:402022-11-29 14:04:09Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This was a great read. Tink is the president of her all female MC and she does a lot for her club, her family, and their businesses. Tink has been through a heartbreaking trauma when she was younger and is part of the reason she spends most of her time trying to break up sex trafficking rings. This story pulled me in and got more intense as I read on. This book has some triggers for people who are sensitive to abuse and sexual assault. The characters in this story have been through so much and try to work through it and be there for each other. The author did an excellent job bringing me into the story and keeping captivated. This is a great start to this series. I can’t wait to read what’s next.
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 Hopper2022-11-28 07:25:432022-11-29 14:03:24Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Candida Hopper
Excellent psychological read! A story of a true mother’s love. This one had me at the edge of my seat and other times getting up to walk away. Lots of twist and turns, which I just love in a great book. Love the approach this author takes with their readers, looking at all the scenarios and even more options that comes along. You feel like you’re walking this path with this mother who is just looking for answers and closure.And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent psychological read! A story of a true mother’s love. This one had me at the edge of my seat and other times getting up to walk away. Lots of twist and turns, which I just love in a great book. Love the approach this author takes with their readers, looking at all the scenarios and even more options that comes along. You feel like you’re walking this path with this mother who is just looking for answers and closure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2022-11-27 15:02:262022-11-29 13:57:40And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Nina Maes
Emma is the next in line for the Thorn Ranch. After graduating college she is at a pivotal point in her life and questioning what steps she will take next. Taking her horse out she rides into an area she is not as familiar with and ends up rescued by someone from a group calling themselves The People. Held captive in a cave with none of the common comforts she is used to. Emma asks if she can return home, the reluctance from The People to let her go is compounded with being discovered. Will Emma be able to return home or will she be lost forever?
There is much more to the story, Emma’s mother Josie is a huge part of the story as well as Kai who is a member of The People. The story reminded me a bit of some of the western family sagas I have read in the past. Captivating story, I was surprised by the way the story unfolded and was kept guessing as to where Emma’s life would lead.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2022-11-27 13:34:202022-11-29 13:52:56The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Emily H
Trigger Warning! This story has some serious brutality; however, it is full of sisterhood, family both blood and chosen and Woman-power! Throughout this tale about an all-woman MC there is the interwoven stories of our main character opening up to love, the perseverance of a young girl never giving up hope on her family, and women turning their own tragedies into a fire to save other women. Generally, I’m not a fan of female tragedy as a story plot point, but this one is done so well and so strongly I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down! By the end I was ready to go out, buy a motorcycle and join an all-woman MC.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jess Dimmockhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJess Dimmock2022-11-27 08:35:042022-11-29 13:51:04Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Jess Dimmock
First off… OMG… this book is a MUST READ! Once you start it sucks you in and good luck stopping until the last page. This is the first book I have read from this author and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
I always read the writeup to see what a book is about before I choose to read it or not. I knew from the get go I wanted to read this story. I am so glad I did.
Catherine going thru the grieving process of losing her daughter Susie in a tragic accident. Trying to make sense of the accident a year later. She wants so badly to know exactly what happened to her. Even going back to Crete where the accident happened. Even reaching out to Daniel who was the boyfriend at the time.
Things are mysteriously happening to her at home while she is talking to those who knew Susie during that time. I love how the author has excerpts from Susie that are changing from the night of the accident. I found myself comparing the changes each time one came up and trying to solve what happened.
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 Pulliam2022-11-26 20:46:022022-11-29 13:57:25And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Devon Pulliam
Tink is a great start to the Devil’s Handmaidens MC Series! This was the first time reading about an all-female MC and I was not disappointed. The females were strong, courageous, and tough. D. M. Earl creates surprisingly realistic, flawed characters that I couldn’t help but feel invested in. I would love to have these tough-as-nails women in my corner! Earl also paints a wonderfully descriptive picture of the small town life in Timber-Ghost, Montana. There are so many ups and downs and twists and turns in Tink that I was on the edge of my seat for a majority of the book. This book definitely needs a trigger warning, as some of the content could be tough for some readers, but overall, this book was a great start to the Devil’s Handmaidens MC story! I can’t wait to read more!
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 Ott2022-11-26 20:42:122022-11-29 13:57:18Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Mandy Ott
Wow what a story. I was gripped right from the beginning and I was gripped until I found out what happened to Susie. The author does an amazing job with this story by giving the reader several different scenarios of how Susie fell, was it an accident? Was she drunk? Was she pushed?
All of the scenarios seem likely but the actual events will blow your mind. Several times I thought I had the answer and I was still wrong.
Catherine Keely is a heartbroken mother trying to come to terms with the loss of her daughter when she fell from a balcony in Crete. Catherine doesn’t believe it was an accident and so she sets out to find the truth. She questions Suzies friends and ex partner trying to find answers but what she finds out is perhaps something she wishes she didn’t know. When you believe you know someone completely could you really not know them at all? Are somethings better not being know?
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 Carr2022-11-26 11:23:482022-11-29 13:55:57And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Kerry Carr
Tink is the Prez on a female MC (which is pretty rad on its own)…and their goal is wipe out the human trafficking rings. This mission is deeply personal to Tink. Getting into her backstory was heartbreaking and I can see how it formed her into the strong and determined person she is today.
Noodles comes to town with some former military buds to start a sanctuary. Tink and Noodles hit it off immediately. As Tink’s truths come out, Noodles believes he is the man to protect her. However, when they find out that one of their own is out to thwart their efforts, will Noodles be able to keep Tink safe? And who can they really trust?
This was a great story that I enjoyed reading. I don’t think I have ever come across an all female MC…and it was awesome. The secondary characters in this book really added to the story and I’m hoping to read some of their stories in the future. Overall, a great story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rosanna Ingramhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRosanna Ingram2022-11-25 21:33:022022-11-29 13:54:36Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Rosanna Ingram
Fantastic book…I loved this story so much and it felt so real, the struggle and trying to move on.
Peggy is a mother of twins, whom are ready to leave and go away to college. Peggy struggles with the reality of becoming an empty-nester and also still mourning her husbands untimely death. When Peggy’s children, Greg and Grace give Peggy a gift of a “boot camp style” gym …… to work on herself … at first Peggy wanted nothing to do with it. Once Peggy joins and meets new friends in Carmen and Roni..this friendship is what Peggy needed. When Peggy meets Henry..she discovers that there can be a new life to discover after losing her husband….just takes some time to realize. Can Peggy truly move on?
This story is truly a must read…the story flowed so easily and the book was hard to put down. I wanted to keep turning the pages on what is going to happen next for Peggy… fantastic fantastic fantastic read!!
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 Hoerner2022-11-25 21:06:362022-11-29 13:53:53More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
I LOVED this book. This is definitely the type of book with a main character that is so relatable. I think that most women can relate to that feeling of losing themselves. Peggy lost herself in raising her children, who no longer need her. Now its time for her to reinvent herself, or find herself again. She is obsessed with a television show with a medium who can talk to the dead. This makes sense, since she lost her husband years ago. She is always starting a new diet – tomorrow – especially since the dr is harping on her. However, as her kids are leaving for college, they give her a gift one that might just be the key to finding herself. I do not have any children, yet, I found myself really relating to the character of Peggy. I could relate to the not knowing who you are anymore. The always thinking that the next diet starts tomorrow. The longing for something else, something different, something for her. This book was amazing and is definitely something that I didn’t want to end. I can not recommend this enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-11-25 17:28:462022-11-29 13:46:24More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Christine Baranek
This story focuses on Peggy’s transition from being a stay-at-home mom to her twins, daughter and son, as they leave for college and she embarks on her new way of life. With her husband passing away when the twins were away from a tragic accident, her sole focus has been on her children and making sure they are on the right path towards independence and making the right choices. Now she must find her own way and take better care of herself. She meets some unexpected people that help her in ways she didn’t think they ever could. As a result, she starts developing habits and goals to strive for a better self. So many mothers and fathers can relate to this story. We as parents heavily focus on the children’s successes and activities that we tend to leave ourselves in last place. I myself have fallen into this spectrum and even though each of us are on different paths and phases in our own journeys, we can use stories like these as motivators for our own goals and dreams. This story is so relatable and an easy read. Very much taking a close look at Peggy’s side of her story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2022-11-25 16:27:262022-11-29 13:45:33More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jennifer Ramos
Since losing her husband 14 years ago Peggy has devoted herself to raising her twins Grace and Greg, They have been her entire life focus and in many ways she has neglected herself to always be there for them. As they leave for college they gift her a boot camp class which upsets her greatly but eventually becomes a turning point in her life. This was an a very relatable story filled with emotion and heart.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2022-11-25 14:04:352022-11-29 13:41:57More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jules Herbert
This was a very heartwarming, funny, and emotional read for me. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I will be picking up other books from her because this was uplifting. Peggy has spent her whole life devoted to others. Once her husband passed, she focused on being a single mother to her twins. She finds herself alone more and more as the twins get older, and after they move out, she begins discovering herself again. Will the new changes push her back into her shell, or will she realize that she is more than her duty as a mother and widow?
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 Kern2022-11-25 12:35:522022-11-29 13:41:14More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Shannen Kern
An enjoyable and engaging story which had me hooked from start to finish. Following the death of her husband, Peggy Moriarty’s life has revolved around her twins, Grace and Greg, but now they are teenagers and don’t need Peggy as much. Having been a single Mum, she’s at a loss of what to fill her time with and her only hobby is watching a show about a Medium who connects bereaved people with their deceased loved ones, ‘Messages from Beyond’. Grace and Greg give their Mum a gift certificate for an exercise class when they leave for college, and having got over feeling insulted, Peggy throws herself into getting in shape and eating healthily. However, her aim is to gain enough confidence to go on ‘Messages from Beyond’, and talk to her late husband one last time. Having made friends at the gym, they along with her daughters boyfriend’s mother, Carmen help Peggy to emerge from her shell and spread her wings. Before long Peggy discovers that she’s not just a mother, and a widow, and that her body issues don’t define her either. This was such a touching and emotional read, Peggy is such a likeable and relatable character that I felt instantly engaged with her. The storyline took me on an emotional rollercoaster and it deals with difficult subjects such as, bereavement, grief, and body and weight issues, sensitively and realistically. All the characters are well defined and add to the overall all storyline, and the plot kept me happily turning the pages. Both the story and the characters stayed with me long after I had finished the last page.
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 Gordon2022-11-25 11:55:062022-11-25 12:09:34More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Susie’s mom doesn’t believe her death was an accident. She accepted her death but not the way she passed. After a year she is following several different leads from workers and friends. Figures out she might not have known her daughter as well as she thought. My first read from this author, it definitely will not be my last.
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 Stansell2022-11-25 10:15:272022-11-25 12:06:18And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Amelia Stansell
This was a very emotional story for me to read because I related to Peggy in so many ways. I have struggled with weight and self confidence and also becoming a mother and losing my identity. This story covers an issue which isn’t really discussed which leaves women feeling alone and like it’s just them going through it.
Since losing her husband Peggy has been working hard to raise her twins and carry on with her life. As the time has gone on Peggy has lost herself. All she sees herself as is a widow and a mother. Everything about her such as her confidence has gone and over time her weight has increased making her more unhappy. With her children leaving for college she now had the task of readjusting her life. Maybe now is time to think about herself.
We follow Peggy on her journey from a unconfident mother who has lost her identity to a beautiful person who is a mother but also so much more than that.
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 Carr2022-11-25 09:15:522022-11-25 12:07:42More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Kerry Carr
I loved every moment of this book. Peggy was Very real, raw, and flawed as any and all human beings can be. Losing her husband and raising her kids alone truly isolated and put her into a place where she felt she had no one and her survival mode was food, her children, and her home. She proved to be was an amazing character! Even though she got to a place in her life that made her unaware and complacent just trying to live….when she was given the opportunity to spread her wings again she did. She transformed that fear and place of sadness and became the remarkable woman she once was. Her goals were her own, and when she found a man who saw her and appreciated her that was the icing on the cake. Anyone can end up where Peggy did, but how many can rise again? Peggy was Very real, raw, and flawed as any and all human beings can be. Losing her husband and raising her kids alone truly isolated and put her into a place where she felt she had no one and her survival mode was food, her children, and her home.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-11-25 03:12:172022-11-25 12:05:30More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Lauren West
I have to say that this book had me at a loss for words, it was amazing! I have not read a book by this author before and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed reading this. I found myself not able to put it down when I was working and found myself wanting to be off of work so I could keep reading and find out what happened. I cannot wait to read more books by this author. I cannot wait to tell my friends about this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-11-24 18:01:172023-08-05 13:50:14More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
Emma is a heiress to The Thorn, a ranch that has been in her family for generations and is the largest ranch in Texas. She knows the land like the back of her hand. Yet, going out for a ride one night, she finds a tribe living among her property and the hold thinking the spirits sent her to them. She tries to return home and her family searches for her and exhausts all resources to find her. Emma learns a new way of life all while trying to plan an escape. This was a great book. It was read by the point of view of both Emma and her mother Josie and he endless search of her daughter. You got to learn about the land in Texas and the old ways of The People, who have been able to live off the land undetected for years.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tabithahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTabitha2022-11-24 10:00:232022-11-25 12:08:29The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Reviewed by Tabitha Montero
This book surprised me for several reasons, some good, some bad. This book has a heartwarming story with a fantastic ending. The author is right that it is not the amount of weight you lose when starting a weight loss journey, but about how you feel about yourself during and at the end of the journey. The weight is just a number.
Peggy is fighting more battles than she knows. Fourteen years ago, her husband was tragically taken from her. Luckily, he provided enough for her to be able to stay at home and raise their twins. Now the twins are graduating high school and headed off to college, trying to start their own lives. Peggy has really not paid attention to herself since her husband died. She saw herself as the twins’ mom. Peggy has gained some weight. Peggy has also developed a small obsession with a tv show about a medium that speaks to folks that have passed away. Peggy feels that if she went on the show, she would finally get validation from her husband that she raised their twins right. Peggy’s daughter said that her father would not recognize Peggy from all the weight she has gained. So Peggy’s daughter and son give Peggy an exercise program. Peggy struggles with the decision to go.
Peggy finally goes and meets some new people, developing friendships. This is something Peggy hasn’t had since her husband died and she started identifying herself as “the twins’ mom”. As Peggy learns to manage the new friendships, the changing relationships with her children, the desire to hear from her husband, and life in general, Peggy is gaining more than she is losing.
Although I don’t agree with how the author presents Peggy’s weight, the delightful story about Peggy finding herself is a fantastic read. As a lifelong bonus-sized individual, I have learned that it is not about the number on scale, it is about who you are as a person. I was so happy to read about the picture Peggy’s son texted her, finally getting everything she needed.
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 Policicchio2022-11-23 22:48:092022-11-25 12:08:38More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by M Policicchio
There is struggle with extended grief and depression mixed with humor. Barnes captures the reality of depression and issues with self-image through the main character Peggy. Penny is such a relatable character and brings humor to the story. I was pleasantly surprised the way Peggy’s struggle with her weight was told in the story. It was entertaining, positive, and kept the pages turning late into the night. This is a wonderful read! Review by @bilberrysweet
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2022-11-23 21:43:122022-11-25 12:01:26More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Brandy Vaughn
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