I enjoyed this story. I am drawn to this time period in history, this story was beautifully written. I was drawn in immediately which made for a quick read. The characters were well developed and likeable. I can not wait to start the next book and see where Luigina takes the characters and us next. Would recommend this book to others that enjoy this period in history.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karole Pettyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKarole Petty2024-05-31 07:36:232024-07-10 10:53:49Greetings from Ashbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Karole Petty
This author writes beautifully broken people with heart. You think this book is about Gavin and his tortured trip into his memories and dealing with his PTSD but you would be wrong. Not that Gavin isn’t a huge part of the story but this book is about Katie and her undimming spirit.
Katie is so strong throughout the entire book. She is able to reach Maggie when she needs it. She continues to try with Gavin. She gathers a community around her that provides support and can help her heal while being that for everyone else.
Be prepared for your feelings to get all into this book. There will be happiness, anger, frustration, sadness, curiosity, grief and hope. It is okay to feel all of that and more. Just know going in that it is worth the emotional rollercoaster.
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 Policicchio2024-05-31 02:22:222024-07-10 10:47:17What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by M Policicchio
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210594018-five-tries-to-get-it-right” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Five Tries to Get It Right” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1711939651l/210594018._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210594018-five-tries-to-get-it-right”>Five Tries to Get It Right</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36094489.Kathryn_Dodson”>Kathryn Dodson</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6544870859″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Kate and Lydia have been best friends since grade school. Lydia is now a widow, has a grown daughter and was a school teacher for many years. Kate had a successful business, and now divorced. Lydia received a call one day that Kate was in the hospital. The two best friends travel the world together. Lydia wants Kate to live. They have their ups and downs through out the trip. But it makes their friendship so strong. I was rooting for Kate to live through the whole book! Lydia and Kate are a powerful team going through everything life has thrown at them. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2024-05-29 20:10:402024-07-10 10:41:51Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Tori Mitton
I enjoyed this story, which is a sequel about the two main characters after they get married and move to America and the new life they build there after the war. I didn’t feel like I needed to read the previous book but I possibly would have enjoyed this book more because I would have been invested in then already. I enjoyed the storyline but I wanted more from Mariella’s relationship with her mother-in-law. Overall, I would recommend this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Netania Limhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNetania Lim2024-05-29 06:26:172024-05-29 06:26:17Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Netania Lim
This was a great 5 star read. My emotions were all over the place with this one. I really enjoyed Lydia and Kate’s story. The things these ladies experienced just kicks you in the stomach at times and to watch them grow stronger and become the women they did was great. This is a very special once in a lifetime friendship that we all wish to have. And the journey they took to so many amazing places added to the story. If you want to read a great story with great meaning and friendship this is the one for you. The content can be tough at times due to what is happening at times but it is a truly beautiful read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2024-05-28 21:05:442024-07-10 11:01:09Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Michelle Austin
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain. This is such a good read. Its very difficult to read about a very real situation that many people face and we have no idea. Gavin is diagnosed with PTSD complex syndrome and he battles a war in his mind by the minute. His wife Katie tries to be the best support system he can have but at times she is struggling as well. When Gavin returns to Boston to take care of his father’s estate he finds out his family was involved in the mob and that adds to his mental condition. The mob is watching every move he makes. Katie also finds out stuff her mom has hid from her and she begins to realize that she has some trauma herself from her childhood. Will she be able to help Gavin as well as come to terms with her own demons? Gavin is resisting treatment so he is becoming more and more unstable. Such a tough book to read but such a amazing job done in writing it. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story celebrating female friendships and women choosing their own destiny’s. I was captivated from start to finish by this book about two friends Lydia and Kate, who decide to retrace their wild youth and go on a worldwide voyage. Lydia is a widow living and working as a teacher in a small town but is feeling lonely following her husbands death. Having married and built a successful career Kate is now divorced and facing professional failure, having hit rock bottom she believes she has only one option. However, her longtime friend Lydia offers her a different option, and with one hoping to heal her heartache and the other needing to find a meaning in life again, they travel to all the exotic locations they visited when they were younger. Amidst the heartache and loss their passion for life and love is reignited, but Kate still has plans to end it all. When a surfer from Lydia’s past offers her a second chance at romance and love she is forced to choose between saving herself or Kate. This heartfelt story took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey and it does deal with some upsetting and difficult themes. However, these are handled with sensitivity and honesty and overall I found the storyline to be an inspirational one. I found both Lydia and Kate likeable and relatable and I felt instantly engaged with them and invested in their journey. The wonderful places they visited came to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in the story.
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 Gordon2024-05-28 15:58:172024-07-10 10:38:24Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is a very complex story that comes with trigger warnings and I suggest you read them. This is also a sequel and I would recommend reading the first installment before taking up this one because things will be some much more clear if you do. Kain takes us on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entirety of the book both with Gavin and Katie. This is a really fast-paced novel and the characters are fantastically written and developed. My heart broke so many times for Gavin, Katie, and Maggie throughout the book. There is just so much in here that it can be overwhelming at times so it’s very important that you, the reader, understand the trigger warnings and take breaks when needed. There were parts in the story that triggered me quite literally out of the blue so this is definitely a read that you need to take caution with when going in to it. But don’t let that deter you. Kain has done a remarkable job representing C-PTSD authentically and her writing is so deep and rich. Reviewed by @meggs1717
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-05-28 10:44:202024-07-10 10:37:57What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Megan Rea
I almost didnt read this book because of the content. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for years and a few years ago witnessed a shooting that left me traumatized so I wasn’t sure how I would handle this book but I did enjoy reading it. There was so many aspects to it from childhood trauma, ptsd, anxiety, and depression that are real and people struggle with every single day. Those things made it a great read because it made it relatable.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rose McCaskeyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRose McCaskey2024-05-28 06:38:332024-07-10 10:37:26What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Rose McCaskey
Five Tries to Get It Right is a heart-wrenching and yet tugged at my heart-strings story of love, friendship, loss, grief, promises and mental illness. The author did a great job navigating the friendship between Lydia and Kate in this story that really brought issues to light. What would you do to keep hope to save your best friend…..this story really brings that question to mind as Lydia and Kate pack up and explore Spain, Amsterdam, the Caribbean, Australia, and Costa Rica in hope to rekindle their bond of friendship.
Going on an adventure is all Lydia wants to do after dealing with the death of her husband and her daughter leaving to study abroad, Lydia is grasping to help as well with Kate as she does not want to feel that she will lose her as well. Kate is dealing with her issues of her divorce and losing her own company….the will to live is no longer there. Lydia will do anything not to lose Kate as well and with their time together on their trip, Lydia hopes that Kate will regain the spark she always had.
This story really is touching and while the topic is difficult, this story is very well written and I highly recommend this read. Another great story by Kathryn Dodson!
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 Hoerner2024-05-27 20:08:522024-07-10 11:08:17Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This book was so good. It is the second book of the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. This story is about Jack and Mariella coming to America. Once the settled in New Jersey, it showed the difficulties they went through being in a new country. Need to go and read the first book.
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 Stansell2024-05-24 22:49:052024-07-10 10:31:35Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Amelia Stansell
5/5 stars This book is an absolute gem! This heartfelt and inspiring story is beautifully written, capturing the essence of perseverance and the human spirit. The characters are richly developed, and her narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking. I couldn’t put it down and was moved by the journey each character takes. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an uplifting and meaningful story. Highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2024-05-24 00:22:002024-07-10 10:08:01Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Daryian Lucas
Five Tries To Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson. This is such a good family, drama, romance. Its the story of Lydia & Kate and they are both going thru a rough time in their lives. Lydia’s husband has passed away and her daughter has left to go on a trip so she feels all alone and lost. Kate has gone thru a divorce and finding out her husband’s new girlfriend is pregnant is the icing on the cake. Lydia & Kate have been friends for a long time so when Kate decides to end her life Lydia is by her side every step of the way. Once Kate is back on her feet they decide they need to go on a trip and get away for a while. While on their trip they have all kinds of adventure and fun. The friendship they share is truly beautiful and this story will stick with you for a long time.
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 Treadway2024-05-23 18:59:072024-07-10 10:13:42Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Tausha Treadway
5 Stars Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
Five Tries to Get It Right is a wonderfully written Women’s Fiction/ Adventure that takes us on quite the emotional journey. This book hit very close to home on so many different levels. I’ve recently had some pretty big life changes and honestly couldn’t have gotten through them without my best friend by my side. This is a heartwarming story that has a fair mix of drama, love, loss, second chances, grief, heartache and so much more. I truly enjoyed reading this book and literally had to have kleenex near by. It’s really hit home and I’m here to tell you this is totally worth the read. I highly recommend reading this book and I must say this is definitely my favorite yet. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2024-05-21 21:09:332024-07-10 10:02:31Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This book is the second in the series, although I did not realise this when I started reading. Thankfully, it can be read as a standalone as the author has done a great job of including enough information so you can understand what is going on. This book is a great story that portrays the highs and lows of family life and the sacrifices that must be made. The story is well developed and I thought you could feel the emotions of the characters as they go on their journey. They had so much to contend with and I was fully invested in how things would turn out. Although I did not read the first book prior to reading this one, I will definitely be going back to see the start of their story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-05-21 15:18:482024-07-10 10:21:15Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Kerry Baker
This book pulled at my heart strings, which hasn’t been done in a while. This is a sequel but can be read as a standalone. (I didn’t read the first one but want to now) This is the story of Mariella and Jack and her going to America to live her life with her husband, the book starts out with Elisa and Olivia their daughters visiting Mariella in her home and recording her story. Mariella tells how she left her family in Italy and how they came to America in a boat, how she met his family and lived. I was sad for her because of the homesickness, but also for how her mother-in-law treated her, how the ladies she was introduced to be her friends treated her and how lonely she was.<br /><br /> Mary started making her own friends and even stood up to the doctors when her daughter was sick. She also started sticking up for herself. I was very proud of her and the way she made her life. <br />Mary’s father became ill and she took the girls back to Italy to see him and stayed several weeks. Jack her husband was fearful they weren’t going to return because of what people were saying to him. More his mom who never seemed to like his wife and also his ex fiance who was trying to wedge her way back in. <br />I absolutely loved this book, although I did feel like towards the end it was a tad bit rushed but ended in a very nice way (won’t spoil it for ya lol)
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Andrea Salazarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAndrea Salazar2024-05-21 12:42:572024-07-10 10:20:48Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Andrea Lopez Salazar
This book offers such an incredible story of friendship that preservers throughout the years. It offers the perfect insight into two best friends navigating their way through life and how they find the strength to face everything. This book resonated with me on a level I did not expect. It felt so relatable to my own life and the things that I might have to face moving forwards. The author has created a story that is appealing and so easy to connect with. It was a well written story that explored the lives of two women and made me feel hope about what the future could hold in the second part of my own life. This is a great story and I really enjoyed this so much more than I expected.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-05-20 14:16:162024-07-10 10:24:28Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Kerry Baker
Having lost my mother to suicide this one hit close to home ….,
So Kate was married and her husband left her , got remarried and his now wife is pregnant 🙈to add insult to injury the shareholders of company she started decided to vote her out and she just feels life has no meaning , she’s given up and decided to end it but fortunately for she gets to the hospital on time …….
Kate and Lydia have been friends since childhood and she heads to the hospital to encourage he friend and is met with sone resistance from Kate and my heart goes out to her as she’s just lost her husband and I’ll be honest he was a bit of a deadbeat but still her husband nonetheless and her daughter just wants to escape her ( I thinks she’s being a little bratty )
Lydia has always been frugal so when she convinces Kate to revisit all the countries they travelled as youngsters Kate insists on going big and No expense is to be spared….
This was their second chance and there were times where I had no hope for Kate and her mindset but there’s always little rays of hope shining through the darkness and Lydia just wants someone to love . She has a few tough decisions to make along the way and again I can feel her mixed emotions 😉
I wasn’t all doom and gloom there were times I laughed out loud with them , I made memories with them and I relieved old memories with them , it was a privilege to part of their journey both present and past 🤗
These woman are so relatable and I could identify with both for different reasons and their travels were rich and informative 🥰this is one if those reads I just want all my girlfriends to read and one I will be rereading again ❣️📚
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2024-05-20 09:17:412024-07-10 09:58:12Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Heidi Sturgess
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain is the dramatic sequel to ‘Secrets in the Mirror’ where we continue Gavin’s journey, and although it could be read as a standalone if you wanted- I feel that knowing what happened in the first book will give you a better understanding of Gavin, and a better appreciation of the story. This is a bit of a psychological suspense with emotion, twists, secrets, action, suspense, tension, drama, complex characters, and more. Gavin struggles with his mental health, his PTSD complicating things deeply. He yearns to move on, to shake off his demons and escape the shackles of his PTSD to enjoy his life with his wife Katie. Their marriage is feeling the strains that his mental health has placed on it. Katie, who has done her utmost to support him through everything, has her own needs which aren’t being met. But what lies buried, seems to always find a way of coming to light- which makes this an intriguing read. 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 Hayes2024-05-20 00:08:452024-07-10 09:57:22What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Angela Hayes
Secrets In the Mirror by Leslie Kain is a dramatic family saga/thriller that made for an intriguing read. Gavin and his twin brother, Devon, couldn’t be more different. They’re opposites of one another and travelling on two very different paths. With some serious dysfunctional dynamics to their relationship makes for some very challenging situations. Add in family tensions, the mob, self-worth/confidence issues, mental health issues, abuse, danger, culture, and complex characters- and things take a serious turn. ‘What Lies Buried’ is the sequel to this story, which I have already embarked on. 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 Hayes2024-05-19 23:52:232024-07-10 09:57:07Secrets in the Mirror by Leslie Kain – Review by Angela Hayes
I didn’t hesitate for a split second to pick up this book because the first one, Secrets In The Mirror, was extraordinary. Somehow the author surpassed even that with this phenomenal sequel. There are many conditions talked about that hit close to home for me, so I definitely shed some tears throughout, but it was well worth it. I always love dual points of view because it makes you feel like you can get into the characters’ heads just a little bit more. Gavin is fighting for his life opposite the hands of his complex PTSD from childhood trauma. Katie is the immovable force in her relationship with Gavin, but she will be put to the test once old trauma resurfaces. The author again grips you with their ability to expertly craft the story and allowing it to unfold naturally. As you can imagine, there are difficult topics detailed within these pages, but the author has kindly provided a content warning in the beginning. I highly recommend giving this a chance if you’re able to because it will captivate you as well as give you a deeper insight into C-PTSD. I will be picking up the next book as soon as humanly possible!
I am completely floored by this book! This is the first time I’ve picked up any work by this author, and they completely knocked me off my feet. It was incredibly intense with family drama dynamics and suspense throughout the entire read. It gripped me from the very first page and never let go, leading me to read the whole book in one day. Brace yourself as you dive into an marvelously twisted plot with our twins, Gavin and Devon, who couldn’t be more different other than their looks. Even if you’ve never experienced anything similar to what the author describes, the way they craft the story gives you the ability to feel all of the different psychological dilemmas. The characters were incredibly well-developed and relatable. I think this was a phenomenal thriller because it never pushed the plot out of the realm of believability. If you’re looking for a compelling read that will keep you turning the pages, this should be the next book you pick up!
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 Kern2024-05-19 15:58:352024-07-10 10:28:50Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain – Review by Shannen Kern
Lydia and Kate are two very different individuals, and lead very different lives- which often seems to be the case between true best friends. When both of their lives seem to be in different layers of complete shambles, they join together for support and embark on what they hope to be a soul healing adventure. But things do not go quite as they had initially planned.
Five Tries to Get it Right by Kathryn Dodson was my second book by this author. And while I knew I enjoyed reading her work, I still did not expect to love this story as much as I did! I loved and resonated with both of the main characters. What they were going through are such realistic feelings and tribulations for so many women entering into the second half of their lives. I am very pleased I chose to read another of her books, and I will continue to do so every chance I get!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-05-19 11:20:542024-07-10 10:28:33Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Katie Turner
Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson is a heartachingly great women’s fiction story, that comes with an emotional wallop, friendship, sisterhood, heartbreak, grief, personal challenges, 2nd chances, love, travel, drama, angst, hope, and learning to ‘live again’ after loss. The story also touches on some sensitive topics which the author wrote with much heart and soul. These two women, Lydia and Kate, are such complex characters- lovingly crafted with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. Their bond of friendship/sisterhood spans time and brings them together in this poignant tale. One of Ms. Dodson’s best yet! Well worth the read… Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Dodson has in store for us next. 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 Hayes2024-05-18 23:29:322024-07-10 10:27:52Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Angela Hayes
Well, now we get to see Mariella and Jack in the US. Jack came and took her from Rome. That couldn’t have been easy to leave her family. I did notice the icy MIL relationship. I’ve had a few of those and had no idea myself what the deal was. It was always so many reasons to choose from. It would have been nice to see that developed. Again, the story was really good. It was so well0written. Told us about her experiences. I liked how it started with her daughters trying to use techniques to help her memories as she was losing hers. It was such a beautiful story. Emotions were felt and I recommend this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-05-18 02:11:032024-07-10 09:53:11Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shelly Kittell
I have read a lot of WW2 fiction lately and I feel that this one of the best story I’ve read. This story captures some of the real struggles that came from this war in Rome during the Nasi occupation. TThe struggles in the story felt so real. You could tell that the author had done her research on the history. The story brought so many emotions. It’s a love story that you watch go through so much. I truly can’t pick a favorite part. I couldn’t, it is all so good. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Mariella and Jack are a beautiful and strong couple. You should read this if you love historical romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-05-18 01:54:562024-06-11 10:41:14Greetings From Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shelly Kittell
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s Journey Continues… by Luigina Vecchione is a superb sequel to ‘Greeting from Ashbury Park, where we met Jack and Mariella and followed as their love story unfolded. This book is set 9 years after Jack and Mariella’s fateful meeting- Mariella leaving her life and family in Italy to live in America with Jack. This presents its own set of challenges, and Mariella has much to adapt to. Things aren’t going to be easy- so will their love be strong enough to endure? I really felt for Mariella, she is such a strong individual- but some of the challenges she/they faced were quite testing and really tugged at my heartstrings. Another charming historical story woven with plenty of challenges, drama, adaptation, highs & lows, friendship, family, heartache, angst, tension, choices, heart, and soul. Looking forward to more from Luigina Vecchione in the future. 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 Hayes2024-05-18 00:08:052024-07-10 09:52:58Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book #2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Angela Hayes
Greetings from Ashbury Park by Luigina Vecchione is an historical story set during WWII- a story of survival, resilience, hope, responsibility, challenges, duty, love, and family. Packed full of emotion and drama- and wonderful characters- this story made for an engrossing read. This is definitely a story that any historical fiction lover will want to read- especially in relation to WWII. Looking forward to continuing Mariella and Jack’s story in ‘Italian American’. 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 Hayes2024-05-17 23:48:192024-07-10 09:52:50Greetings from Ashbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book #1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Angela Hayes
Set in the 1950’s Italian American is a raw look at life for a woman from Rome as she sets abroad and into a new life with her American husband. It showcases their relationship, her relationship with her frost-bitten mother-in-law and those of others. Why they have such a tumultuous relationship I don’t know because the story doesn’t go into it which is a shame as it would give us as readers more understanding. Mariella understandably misses her family and longs to see them again. Italian American has emotions running high in this beautiful tale, but it also shows the strength, resilience and spirit of a woman between two worlds. It will have your heart aching as you will celebrate and commiserate her struggles, her passions and her happiness in this rollercoaster of a story. This book can be read as a standalone as I didn’t realise there was a first book, Greetings from Asbury Park until after I had finished. The author does a good job of pulling it altogether, so I didn’t feel as though I missed out. I will however go back and read it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-05-17 19:07:482024-06-11 10:38:22Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jenni Bishop
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book it is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. The characters are well developed and yet complex. Broken hearts and reunited friendships that lead to traveling together to try to heal but will it be enough. Some heart breaks are tough to get over. Just when all seems hopeless a bright and shining star finds a way to break down all the walls. Five Tries to Get It Right is a beautiful and haunting tale. A story of beautiful friendships, sisterhood, heartbreaking loss, love, betrayal, grief and mental illness just to name a few. It was easy to relate to Kate having dealings with mental health myself. It is a story that shows how resilient and strong women can be when all is said and done even if they don’t feel like it. Letting go of the past is sometimes easier said than done. The story is vividly rich in its telling and well written. It is one that should not be missed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-05-17 18:55:472024-06-11 10:38:31Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jenni Bishop
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