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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book gave me so much emptions, it was truly impossible not to fall in love with the characters and the story line. I loved every moment of reading, it was beautiful and striking as a read at the same time!

I loved the way the author did their writing. It was a easy flow, and it was very easy to be swept away into the story. Margaret was such a commendable character. She had endured so much, and in truth, wanted so little in return. I felt myself go though the changes of life and within her , beside her. She was wonderful and I really felt for her. The surrounding characters added nicely as well. The story really pulled at your heart strings at times, but all in all, the story showed what we go through to achieve the life we want. I loved this book with all my heart and soul, very happy I got to read and enjoy this!

To say the least, this is a must read novel! I was very much swept away with emotions as I read through, and I really felt everything possible as I read. This is a must read for sure, highly recommend!

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Jenni Bishop

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The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This historical women’s fiction story is set in the 1940’s in America set in WWII. It is a bit of an emotional read as Margaret Rose is put through so much suffering and loss. It is raw and gritty and heart wrenching with pain and angst, grief and sorrow, disasters and poverty, and so much more. This poignant story is personal for the author. It is inspired by her mother’s real-life story which makes it so much more powerful.

This beautiful tale you will not be able to put down as you follow along on a path for a better life that only to be down trodden time after time. It is a tribute to Margaret that she was able to forge through some of the worst times and not come out the other side. It is a story of courage and discovery and self-preservation.

Lorraine has lovingly and painstakingly woven a powerful story so close to her heart.

This is one story you do not want to miss.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas

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📚 ⏳ 📜 📖 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 📖 📜 ⏳📚
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
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Genre – Women’s Fiction, Historical
Page Count – 368
Cover Designer – Best Page Forward

Will Margaret rise above catastrophic misfortune and create the life she deserves?

She married an older man to escape poverty. But when World War II tragically crushes her dreams, will she ever find her true destiny? 

She thought she’d got away from a hard life and a cruel father. But a tragic twist made her a war widow and threw her back into danger. 

 She longed for more in life. Will her naïve ambitions cost her everything she loves? 

She was determined to create a better life. But when her new marriage is ripped apart by a WWII tragedy, will she ever reclaim her happiness? 

She rushed into another man’s arms to escape a hard life. But when her dreams of a better future die in a WWII tragedy, can she ever recover hope?

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Lorraine Haas writes fiction about strong, fiery women who survive and thrive beyond their circumstances. When she’s not traveling, doing research into history or women’s lives, she enjoys her garden and a nice glass of merlot.

Author Interview with Lorraine Haas

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📚 ⏳ 📜 📖 PREORDER 📖 📜 ⏳📚 The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas

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📚 ⏳ 📜 📖 PREORDER 📖 📜 ⏳📚
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
Preorder Now – https://amzn.to/35AQQWw
#preorder #comingsoon #ITSYBITSYBOOKBITS #ITSYBITSYBOOKBITSPROMOTIONS #TheScentofGardenias #LorraineHaas #womensfiction #historical #historicalfiction #literaryfiction #fiction
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Women’s Fiction, Historical
Page Count – 368
Cover Designer – Best Page Forward

Will Margaret rise above catastrophic misfortune and create the life she deserves?

She married an older man to escape poverty. But when World War II tragically crushes her dreams, will she ever find her true destiny? 

She thought she’d got away from a hard life and a cruel father. But a tragic twist made her a war widow and threw her back into danger. 

 She longed for more in life. Will her naïve ambitions cost her everything she loves? 

She was determined to create a better life. But when her new marriage is ripped apart by a WWII tragedy, will she ever reclaim her happiness? 

She rushed into another man’s arms to escape a hard life. But when her dreams of a better future die in a WWII tragedy, can she ever recover hope?

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ GOODREADS ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAM~ FACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Ana Evelyn

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Actual rating 3.5 stars. This book had a good story line, great characters, and a good plot twist. However it was hard to get into, it felt sort of dry, also timing of the story confused me a bit. I had to go back a few times to see if I had missed or skipped a date in the header etc (but hadn’t). Without spoiling this book also was a bit predictable sometimes, but the main plot twist did surprise me in the end. Some parts also seemed unrealistic like falling in love so quickly but then again that’s young love isn’t it? Overall it was a mildly suspenseful cute little BFF story!

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Williams

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a little bit different. Rather than one story it was two. I feel as though the genre was a little misplaced here. I expected more of a mystery element to it. It was really sweet though. It did give good character backgrounds but I would’ve liked to have seen these a bit more developed than what they were. I felt like it was just lacking something. Maybe not the right read for me *shrugs*.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Kristy Harmon

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the most amazing books I have ever read! I’m new to this Author so I was not sure it would grab my attention but it did from the first few pages. From the writing style to the actual story, you will be hooked! I cannot wait to read more from this Author!

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jade Thomson

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

God what a really great read! This is my first book by the author and it was intense. The storyline for Cate and Patti was incredible and when you thought you had a grip on what was going on- there was a curve ball thrown right at ya. There’s a lot of twists and surprise and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Cate and Pattis friendship was an important facet and I am so glad I got to experience it. Im ready for another one!!

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Katie Kearney

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book definitely pulled me in immediately and I simply couldn’t put it down. I may have stayed up later than planned just so I could finish but it was so worth it. This author knows how to keep a readers completely captured. The characters are complex and relatable, I felt a connection easily. I found myself trying to both read faster to know what happens and wanting to savor this story I was drawn into. The friendship displayed in this story is definitely one that reminds me of my own experiences in the real world maybe not exactly but the bond is the same. If I could read this book for the first time again I definitely would but as I can’t I’ll just add it to my read again list. Well written and paced nicely with characters you won’t forget for a while. Five stars and highly recommended.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Faith Jackson

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is intensely satisfying, entertaining, action-packed but makes it an incredible read. I loved how original the action is and where the author takes us but this book has a bit of everything for you to enjoy. Check it out and you won’t be disappointed!

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Corine Lombardi-Quiles

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well okay! I read this book on 2 hours it was that good.
I must say that it was so fast paced that I was like wait no that can’t be it..yup mystery solved.
It’s murder mystery meets friendship 101.
The friends you make in high school are usually the ones you never forget.
This author is so detailed in her words and the descriptions of the characters and the plot that you feel like part of the story.
I loved it!
I would recommend this to everyone as a high school graduation gift, light but mysterious and overall engaging. Added to my collection.
This was an easy five stars.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jules Herbert

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading this wonderful book will take you on a total rollercoaster ride of emotions as you follow friends Cate and Patti as they reunite after years apart. You soon realise that their friendship is as strong now as it ever was and that nothing will be as you first expect. Secrets from the past, murder and so many twists and turns will keep you wanting to read more right until the very last word.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has romance and historical fiction

Prequels to the Logan McKenna Mystery series—for the first time ever under one cover.

An Appalachian Love Story is BELLA. Bella’s narrative begins more than fifty years ago, high in the Appalachian highlands. Join me on a journey through the Appalachian hills and hollers with Logan’s great grandmother, Norah, and Giovanni, a young Italian immigrant who makes his masterpiece—Bella, a hand-crafted violin with an unrivaled tone that is passed down through the generations. (novella).JAGGED DAWN: THE BEGINNING OF LOGAN Join Logan in the days leading up to the terrible accident that shatters her illusions and throws her into the unknown. Will she be a success or only a survivor? (a brief narrative).

I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read more from this series.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prom night is supposed to be one of the best nights of one’s life. Cati and Patti were ride or die friends, and what they planned to be a special night turned into their life long nightmare. Cate Silver killed a man and Patti helped “hide” the incident for 20 long years. After this night, the girls didn’t know how to deal with life and drifted apart, each dealing with their own monsters. However, once again, 20 years later, they needed each other because the cold case was being reopened. As ride or die friends do, no matter how long it’s been, they support each other and come up with a plan on how they will survive.

This was such a great friendship book. I know it sounds kind of weird due to the fact that someone dies, but sometimes friendship goes beyond what is acceptable. The author did such a great job in the description of the characters that you felt that you really knew each one and how they would respond in these different situations. It made me think of my best friend the whole time. Each person needs a ride or die friendship that will be there, support you, and do whatever to ensure your safety because that is how much they love you. However, I think that this book also provides a great lesson for young people – the truth will always set you free and may bring unexpected outcomes.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jenna Knee

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cate and Patty have the type of friendship that everyone longs for. You instantly get swept up in this wonderful story. It takes place over the span of 20 years and shows the ups and downs of how friendships evolve over the years. This is a book of mystery, secrets, first loves and shows the importance of family. Even does a good deal of showing that family isn’t always by blood. This whole story resonated with me on so many levels. I highly recommend this story. Will definitely be checking out more books by this talented author.

Depending on You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – reviewed by Gretchen Dildine

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First time reading a book by this author & I have fallen in love with her writing. This book is a story about life long friends and a tragic event on prom night that sets in motion a life on the run for Cate. The story has twists & turns that I never saw coming & kept me turning the pages late into the evening!!

When Cate returns to deal with her father, she decides to stop running. Patti, her best friend since high school, is there to stand by her & provide support. This is a true story of friendship & forgiveness, love & loss. I could relate to Cate & Patti & their relationship. Look forward to reading more by this author.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Robin Rankin

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings (Logan McKenna Series)

I was drawn to this book by the cover which isn’t something normal for me.  I don’t regret it one bit.  I was moved by the back story of Logan’s family not realizing it at the time this was a prequel for a series.

I loved everything about Grandma Norah and her story.  She didn’t have the easiest life but I imagine it was that way for a lot of young women there around that time.

Was there a connection due to the West Virginia roots?  Maybe.  My Daddy was born and raised in a tiny town in the hills tbough not nearly as remote and Logan’s Grandmother would about the same ages as Daddy.

The prequel has made me want to read this series and I fully intend to.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Candida Hopper

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book drew me in from the beginning. This story had some pretty big twists and turns that had me turning the pages needing to know what was going to happen next. Cate and Patti have been best friends since they were young. They have been through everything together and then one night changes everything. They have carried a big secret for so long and now everyone might find out. The author did an exceptional job creating an emotional, suspenseful read that I couldn’t put down. This is one of my favorite books by this author so far. I highly recommend this book.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a fan of the ‘Logan McKenna Mystery series’ I was intrigued to read these two companion stories, which are a prequel to the series. In the first novella the storyline is set in the Appalachian hills, over fifty years ago, and we are introduced to Logan’s great grandmother, Norah and Giovanni. Giovanni is a young Italian immigrant who is skilled at making hand crafted violins and he creates his masterpiece, Bella. Bella becomes a treasured family heirloom that is handed down through the generations and will eventually be given to Logan.

In the second short story, we are introduced to Logan but in a period of her life before that in the series. Logan’s storyline begins in the final days before the fatal accident where she will loose both her husband, and her comfortable illusions. This is the start of her reinventing herself and the beginning of her adventures. I was gripped by both wonderfully written stories and the descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life, especially that of the Appalachian hills.

Norah and Giovanni were likeable and relatable characters, and theirs was a real love story which I felt completely immersed in. The second storyline gives a much more in-depth backstory to Logan, which made me understand her character better, and therefore I feel more engaged with her. I look forward to reading more of Logan’s adventures as she investigates mysteries in future books in the series.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is two books in one containing Bella: An Appalachian Love Story and Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginning. These two books are prequels to the Logan McKenna Mystery Series.

In Bella, we are taken back in time to 50 years prior to where Bella’s story first begins. In the Appalachian hills we meet Logan’s great grandmother Norah, and Giovanni, a young immigrant from Italy. Giovanni is a master artist crafting violins and it is he who creates Bella, a violin that is passed from generation to generation. Living life in the Appalachian mountains was not always easy but the family persevered and did what they could to survive off the land.

In Jagged Dawn we are introduced to Logan, the great granddaughter of Norah, We find Logan in California just weeks prior to the accident that changes her entire world. Logan is left wounded from the accident and faced with an uncertain future. Her once comfortable life is thrown into a tailspin, and she is forced to change everything she has ever known. She must decide if she will just survive or find joy in her life again. Returning home, she finds her beloved violin Bella and starts playing her again. She also finds her sapphire blue 1958 Corvette and finds herself enjoying cruises down the highway in her Corvette. These are two things that she had left in her past but that she now finds that bring her comfort and joy.

Although these books were very different from one another they flowed beautifully together. Norah and Giovanni’s love story was beautiful, yet tragic. Logan’s story was tragic yet inspiring. Both books show exactly how resilient people can be after tragedy strikes. These books were beautifully written, and I look forward to reading more in the Logan McKenna Mystery Series.

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Depending on you by Jessica Aiken-Hall- Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Depending on you was a great read. It was interesting and it definitely kept my attention. I didn’t want to put it down! I really liked the characters, and the way their relationships developed, and grew together. Patti and Cate were so dedicated to each other through thick and thin. I’m so glad they got the happy ending they deserved after all they went through. I did feel the dialogue was stilted in some places, and the characters behaved a little immaturely in some areas. They had a lot on their shoulders at some points. It didn’t take away from the story and I was still invested in the girls. The author even had me second guessing myself a few times after the accident occurred. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a page turner. This is one you won’t have trouble getting immersed in.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kerry Carr

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These two books are the prequels to the Logan Mckenna mystery series. Both books give us more of an insight into Logan’s life and her family history.

Bella is a beautiful story about how Logans great grandmother Norah met Giovanni. Giovanni is a very skilled man and makes beautiful creations. One of his creations ends up becoming a family heirloom that is passed down through the generations. This story is heartwarming and interesting to read about how life was in the past and how hard times were.

JAGGED DAWN- The second story catches up to present day and follows Logan’s life. In this story we live through her pain as she goes through the trauma of losing her husband. Through all the fear and grief we see signs of the Logan we know from the other stories as we see her strength and determination shine through.

Both these stories give us a better insight into Logan’s family history and explains in more detail the pain and trauma that was mention in the following stories when Logan progresses from music teacher to murder detective.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two short stories bundled into one volume; these are prequels to the Logan McKenna Mystery Series. The story of Bella, a beautifully crafted violin that becomes something of a family heirloom, is mainly told through the voices of Norah and Giovanni. We get to hear all about the bright and sad moments that led Norah and her family through a time when living a simple life meant struggling and persevering through whatever life threw your way. Woven through Norah’s story, we also learn about Giovanni, an Italian immigrant who would eventually come into Norah’s life and create Bella. Though the story of Bella was short, I felt like the magic of the Appalachians came through both narratives and breathed life into the tale. It was a beautifully written novella that had me smiling – if a little sadly – by the end. Jagged Dawn introduces Logan McKenna and sets the tone for what promises to be an intriguing mystery.

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson-Review by Amanda Kimble

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings (Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The Logan McKenna Series is one of my favorite series. Getting to know the stories behind the series is amazing.

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story is about Logan’s great-grandmother and her great-grandfather. Norah and Giovanni are the ones who created Logan’s beloved violin, Bella.

The quote I chose for Norah is: “I wish I could give you those hours, those pine-filled nights on the porch, lightnin’ bugs dancin’ in the growin’ night, the air still soft with summer, but with fall’s sharp edge to it, stomachs full, washing up done, wood stove stoked, and Grandpa and me playin’ up the moon while Aunt Leila rocked content, smokin’ her pipe. But I was talkin’ about George, wasn’t I? Hard to keep the tellin’ on a straight path. There’s so much to tell.”

The quote I chose for Giovanni is: “Nothing, right away. One winter morning, a Signor Valerio, a well-known patron of the arts in Mantua, entered the shop, requesting a violin be made for a promising young musician he wanted to encourage, and in time for the city music festival at the end of the summer. The violin was to be of the best materials, made in the traditional way, and could only be trusted to Master Basso, of course! Time was of the essence and cost was of little concern.”

Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings is a story about what led up to the divorce. Her daughter is away in Africa and we get to see what Logan gets up to. We get to watch the downfall of her marriage and learn why she is the way she is.

The quote I chose for Logan is: “Nice to meet you, Jim, happy to be here. Jack just stepped out for a minute. I’m sure he’ll be right back. We should be ready to start the first session after lunch. We’ll get through the basic training this afternoon and tomorrow morning, and still leave time for troubleshooting and individual custom consults in the afternoon. Is one o’clock still a good time to start this afternoon?”

Highly recommended for Women’s Fiction lovers.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Julie Johnson

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both of these stories included in this book are prequels to the life of Logan. In Bella-An Appalachian Love Story we read the background of Logan’s great grandmother, Norah and the struggles and hardships she faced in the Appalachian country. We also meet Giovanni, an Italian immigrant and his gift for creating beautiful violins. Reading the back history was helpful as we moved into Jagged Dawn, the story of Logan’s beginnings.

Logan finds out some of her family history and is gifted a beautiful violin. She rarely has time to play anymore with all the demands of work and married life. She’s asked to take over the training for a specific company and questions the request since her husband did the vast majority of the family training. On the way home, tragedy strikes this family. Will Logan ever be the same again? Will she ever make beautiful music on her family heirloom again?

I enjoyed both of these stories. I was attracted to this story because of the cover as well as my love for music. I’ll be checking out more of this author’s work as I’d like to read even more of Logan’s story!

Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Sarah Devereaux

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting story! It is my first by this author and both stories included in this book are prequels to the author’s Logan McKenna Mysteries Series, so I thought this was a good place to start! I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the characters and their stories before diving into the series!
Both stories are well written with Bella: An Appalachian Love Story taking you back in the past and introducing you to Logan’s grandmother and her story and Jagged Dawn especially helps to build the character of Logan and what she has gone through.

Overall I would recommend these stories and I cannot wait to begin reading the series!

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Ashley Westerman

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my! What an excellent storyteller she is! I was so caught up in the story of Cate and Patti that nothing else mattered! I finished all my chores as quick as possible just so I could get right back to reading this emotional story. If you want to know what happens between these 2 best friends, you’ll have to pick up the book and find out. You will not be disappointed! Great book!

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Tracy Manderson

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I have to say this story plot was interesting and the Characters where strongly written with little quirks and all.

Bella story begins 50years ago high in the hills of Appalachian we follow Logan’s great grandmother, Norah, and Giovanni, a young Italian immigrant, who creates his masterpiece, a hand-crafted violin named Bella with unparalleled sound that accompanies each generation that follows.
Logan McKenna is battered and wounded, after tragedy and now she is struck into an unknown future. Logan isn’t just a survivor she is thriving driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in her gleaming, sapphire-blue ’58 Corvette rediscovering her love for music playing her beloved Bella.
Come read Logans story and discover the mysteries of Bella and the Appalachian hills….
Tracy

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by La Toya Lewis

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved this combination novella. I enjoyed getting to know Norah’s story and Bella’s history. So romantic and tragic. I also enjoyed getting to know Logan. The McKenna women seem to have strength written in their DNA. I also loved sweet Giovanni. Poor guy couldn’t get a fair shake. I am new to this series so I don’t know yet what characters we will see again but I loved seeing William. Both younger and older, he was a delight. The little bit that I got to see made me want to know more about these people. I could read a whole book about any one of these characters. I am fully prepared to devour the Logan McKenna series.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Katie Matthews

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Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.

@katiem
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