The synopsis attracted me to this book, but then I was absolutely hooked from the prologue! There was the perfect amount of magic and reality sprinkled into this story, and I absolutely loved the characters. Ashley has such spunk and personality! I wish I had been more like her when I was in high school. This retelling of Cinderella was such an easy read and had enough twists and turns to keep me captivated with the story. I definitely recommend this book and am now going to read more from MK Harkins!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Granthamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Grantham2022-08-19 08:54:082022-08-20 14:02:26Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Sara Grantham
My favorite book of the series! I’m also sad the series is over. This series is a perfect one for re-reading a lot! There was so much suspense and adventure in this book, I loved it all. I loved how vividly this author wrote, making me feel like I was right there with Emma. This author has a new fan and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.
I love books set in a historical time period. I’m really enjoying this series and book 3 is no different. The author is so creative with this series that I can’t wait to see what she’s thought of for the next book. I really enjoy how the author kept me on my toes, with something always happening. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I think you should check it out for yourself!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2022-08-18 22:48:582022-08-18 22:48:58Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by
This was a good 4 star read. This was a fun spin on Cinderella. Veronica has to deal with bullies at school and she only has one friend. Things get interesting when a pop star is forced to attend her school Unexpectedly Veronica ends up helping Harry and the sparks fly from there. How will their story end?
Overall this was a good read. I enjoyed all of the characters. There are twists and turns that make you wonder just how things will turn out. If you’re looking for a modern day twist on Cinderella you will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more from this series and author. 1-click and get started today.
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 Austin2022-08-18 21:45:042022-08-20 13:42:20Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Michelle Austin
Lisette has a small problem, she has no powers. That wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that she lives in Oasis. After her beloved father kills the king he is executed, taking her inherited magic with him. Excellent read! I couldn’t put it down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Slaglehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Slagle2022-08-18 21:42:592022-08-20 13:40:15Jester by Brielle D. Porter Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle
An original twist on the classic story of Cinderella. This story is told from the persepectives of Ashley Adams and Harry James.
Ashley Adams (Cinderella) her father is dead and leaves her a trust fund her Evil Stepmother has put in a few stipulations (i.e graduating on time, working at the funeral home etc.) She has two evil Stepsiters and lives in the smallest room. Her stepmother and stepsisters do their best to derail her and make her life a living hell, she does her best to keep her head down and do everything they say to get that trust fund and head to UCLA.
Harry James (Prince) also know as the prince of Pop a rock star who got into some trouble by setting is old high schools chemistry gets sent to Redmond High for a year as part of his and best friend Georges probation.
This story is a classic it opens with the fairy godmothers in panic mode because people in the world are not falling in love. They are needed but because of modern technology like YouTube and smartphones they are scared of being seen and the world finding out about them. Luckily someone has a plan…
I don’t want to spoil the book to much but this is a very fun original story spin on a classic that will give you all the feels. Mainly Joy and Sorrow as there is a major scare towards the end.
While we are given Harry and Ashley perspectives as well as the Fairy Godmothers I wish we could have gotten A Laura, George, Veronica and Maggie and Maura as well just to help round out the characters. That being said I was happy to see the sequel with George and Lilly with hopefully more of the original characters as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shavon Bownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShavon Bown2022-08-18 15:06:112022-08-20 13:29:48Ashes by MK Harkins – Review by Shavon Brown
Emma is back and with her trusty team of investigators and they are as busy as always, we start with her and Jeremy chasing bank robbers across the country on the railroad, however, when the train crashes, the pair are caught up in the casualties. As they try to extricate themselves from the wreckage, they are working out where they are and how help can be arranged, so Emma goes off to find someone and when help arrives, the local town help to catch the robbers.
When they eventually arrive home, the whole family are there to greet them, but they cannot rest for long as Emma is on the hunt for another case, she consults the local newspapers and finds something that doesn’t ring true, it is about the possible murder of a woman and the disappearance of the husband at around the same time, but it is more all encompassing than she thought and has to bring Jeremy in again to help her on her other case. The other case centres around the industrial district of Chicago and the possible sabotage of one of the factories there and the more that Jeremy sees, the more he is appalled by the reactions of those around him.
As the research is ongoing and the investigations continue, Emma and Jeremy lean on each other as they are affected by their cases, they both realise just how perceptions can change the viewpoints of those around them, but will they be able to stay safe and solve the cases? This is another exciting mystery where nothing is as it seems and every corner turned brings something unexpected, as you follow along with these intrepid investigators.
Emotional, action packed, fun with a wonderful story line and great characters! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series following Emma and her sleuthing ways. The character growth throughout the series is phenomenal and will leave you wanting more. I really hate to see the end to this series come, but understand final curtains are a necessary step for every author. I wouldn’t read these books out of order as they make a larger impact together. In one word this series was BRILLIANT!
Again we are off right from the start, picking up after book two. Emma must journey to New York after receiving peculiar petition. This time she brings along Jeremy and we watch as their relationship evolves. As this author has before, there is historical references throughout and of course the interesting recipes as well! I really have loved this series and am looking forward to the final chapters in the next installment.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-08-18 09:12:262022-08-20 13:21:41Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
5 Stars Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins
Notebook Mysteries ~Unexpected Outcomes is the fourth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. This is wonderfully written story that I had a hard time putting down. I highly recommend reading the previous books in this series if you haven’t already as they give a better understanding of what is going on and you get to know the characters better. Plus they are all definitely worth the read. This one just might be my favorite yet. This is a story about Emma and Jeremy and these two solve Mysteries . But what will happen when they realize there cases might not be what they seem to be? They start to re-evaluate their own lives. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
Unexpected is spot on With every book I fall in love with the characters a little bit more. I love the history interwoven with the mystery. Emma and Jeremy are wonderful characters and they make for a daring couple. The story is an adventure layered in distrust, family drama , suspense and danger. From train wrecks to heists this book has it all. Please read this series from book one, as there is a storyline that continues throughout. Highly recommend.
YA fantasy books are becoming some of the best books around! The characters are so very well developed and unique. This year alone I have found such wonderful YA books, and this is yet again another. Pick it up and be prepared to be amazed when you are not able to put it down. Lisette was such a fierce and out of the box type FMC. A true anti-hero, and the first female one for me. The death of her father left her in a bad way due to the magic he possessed never being passed down to her. She was determine to make her way no matter the cost, and she was prepared to do even the unthinkable. You will question her character, but be her biggest fan all the same. This is a story you will not want to miss.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-08-17 23:00:492022-08-19 18:31:04Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Lauren West
Emma is such a great female lead character and in this novel we get to see her relationship with Jeremy grow. I have enjoyed reading each installment and look forward to more. It is so easy for readers to get lost in each wonderfully written story!
I have enjoyed every single installment of this series! While yes this series is geared towards the teenage crowd even as an adult its a feel good, sit down and continue to flip the pages type read!
I do highly recommend the books be read in order! As you read the series the characters come to life. Cat is a fun loving, free spirit who embraces her gift and readers get to live the journey with her! Throughout the series I like that because these books were geared towards a certain audience, lessons could be learned in each book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kay Striteskyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKay Stritesky2022-08-17 22:44:182022-08-19 18:29:44Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Kay Stritesky
Emma and Jeremy are such a sweet couple (I hope we get to see their wedding in a future book). When Jeremy’s mother comes to town Emma isn’t sure of her true intentions, but eventually realizes she may be being unfair. Emma just seems to have a natural talent for knowing when to push a little further and follow her gut to find the truth. Mote mysteries solved, more family connections made, and more Emma and her adventures. With every new book in the series, I believe I am becoming addicted.
This was such a sweet story and a wonderful way to end the series. I just love how the titles of chapters have the recipe at the end of them! I am excited to give some of them a try! I found the story to be humorous and charming between the struggles of Cat and Nate. It definitely had a Freaky Friday or Wish Upon a Star feel to it, and it was wonderful seeing how they had to solve the problem and put everything back to rights. The story is definitely full of feel good fun and a wonderful story for not only teens and preteens, but adults too!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2022-08-17 21:35:202022-08-19 17:14:38Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Full of mystery, intrigue, adventure and more this fourth installment really blew me out of the water. Much like the three previous books in this series you could read this as a standalone, however in doing so I believe you would miss out on some great adventures and of course more background on some of out favorite characters. Personally while the previous three were great I loved the adventure in this one. Full of murder, sabotage, danger and more this faced paced novel will definitely keep you on your toes.
Unexpected Outcomes is the 4th book in the Notebook Mysteries series. I love reading this series, the books are full of adventure and mystery. This book continued building on the same characters, with the focus on Emma and Jeremy. I like that it spent quite a bit of time on their parents and building the history of Cole, Ellis and Abbey. They have an interesting past, and I was happy to see it come full circle. The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking, so I hope there is another book to come. I wish the final chapter was an epilogue with a bit more detail to it. This book had a lot of cases involved, so it moves around quite a bit. However, they all tie together due to Emma and Jeremy and their family. The series gives us a view into the previous century, but I’m not sure how accurate it is. They send a lot of telegrams and send for carriages often, which I anticipate would be quite costly in that era. I also don’t think the police would have been so accepting in having a female civilian being part of their cases, interviewing their suspects, etc. But aside from that, I love the story and series.
Book 3 in the series brings more mysteries. Whereever Emma seems to go, Emma’s power of observation allows her to see things that others don’t. The series continues as Emma has now established herself as a strong investigator. This round she helps to find missing children, paintings, and solve the case of murdered husband. This book delves further into the complexities of being a woman in a man’s world. I really enjoyed how Emma is written in such a way that she exudes confidence and captures the attention and respect of everyone she speaks to.
Absolute Must Read! Fantasy with magic and in a sin city that reminds me of New Orleans mixed with Vegas on acid. Lisette (also known as Mirage) is an illusionist with no actual magic, in a magic filled world. She has to play with the big boys who actually DO have magic. She is a bad A woman all on her own, she needs no one. Lisette grew up under the shadow of not only her other brother but her father who was labeled a traitor because he killed the King. Because of his betrayal, this left Lisette without magic. Her one true goal in life is to win the position of Jester to the Queen. How can someone who doesn’t actually possess magic have any chance against someone who does? The further she makes it towards her goal, the more she has to lose. How far will she go? Lisette is then approached with high value information that states her father may actually not have been who killed the King. Is the source of the info reliable? Even if they are, is it actually true? Does that change any way Lisette actually feels towards her father, and her goal?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-08-17 20:22:082022-08-19 18:15:38Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Helen Dawkins
Once again the book begins with stories from years prior. Emma is now becoming firmly established as her own detective and works with her sister and other friends to build and solve cases. I really enjoyed this book and found it was written better than the firs; the author finding her voice in the series. Emma is a wonderful and strong female lead who continues to show that woman can do anything. This point in further proven in both of the main cases. Entertaining quick read that is a wonderful continuation of the first book but can also be read as a stand alone.
View all my reviews
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Glaspiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Glaspie2022-08-17 20:20:092022-08-19 18:13:33Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries Book 2) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Amanda Glaspie
Book 4 of this series has been my favorite so far!!! Emma and Jeremy have been tasked with taking down a ring of robbers. They are responsible for bringing back the jewels from Tiffany & Co to the museum for an exhibit but they know that evil is lurking at every corner. On top of that, there is a murder to try to solve too.
This read holds a lot of excitement and mystery!! I love seeing Emma mature and how she is handling what could be a most difficult situation in this particular story. Can the relationship she has with Jeremy be sustained given the current circumstances??
Another great book in the series. This book feels more mature than the previous three and Emma is really starting to grow. She has always been someone that made hasty decisions without others feelings and she is learning not to do that. This book focused on one major mystery which I really enjoyed because it also allowed character development for the other characters as well. This book did brings twists but was well written. Again, this book can be read as a stand alone book but the others help this book to be elevated to what it is.
Emma is a young 18 year old lady who has a love for sleuthing! She’s always looking for a way to help out others and wants desperately to be recognized as a female sleuth back in a time (1800’s) when it wasn’t acceptable to women to work outside the home. She has some decisions to make about the men in her life and she’s not quite sure which one to choose. It will determine how her life could turn out after all! Life is also full of possibilities and Emma is excited about the prospects for her future.
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I do recommend reading in order. I am currently reading these books out of order and there are portions that are a bit confusing to me. However, the story is very well written and I do enjoy seeing what Emma is getting into!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-08-17 19:57:142022-08-19 18:09:50Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries Book 2) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson
This series has been so good! All the different stories and cases have been great. I’ve been hooked with Emma. I love her relationship with Jeremy, her family, and her friends she makes along the way! I hope more are to come!
I have read every book in this series and I think this one is my favorite! Notebook Mysteries: Unexpected Outcomes starts right out with the action. Emma and Jeremy start the book by getting into a train crash while in the midst of pursuing a crime. As they get help and return to their case they find themselves with more issues. Emma has to juggle more cases with meeting her partner/fiance’s (Jeremy) mother Abbey. Abbey also happens to have a bit of a history with Emma’s father. Emma takes it all in stride while continuing to be her strong, courageous self. I love Kimberly Mullins’s writing! This book has her signature strong plot and well-written characters. It is wonderfully fast-paced and adventurous!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2022-08-17 19:18:092022-08-19 17:42:25Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by La Toya Lewis
Emma is a young, upstanding girl in the 1880s but she’s also determined. Determined to help women be equal. Determined to solve crimes. And determined to do what she can to make a difference. In Changes & Challenges, Emma’s adventures continue.
In this book, the third installment, Emma is contacted by a client’s lawyer about the reading of a will. Faced with a decision to take on an inheritance, she sets up a meeting to determine if this new development is helpful for business.
When a trip to New York is inevitable, Jeremy and Emma find themselves inseparable and upon returning feel like they can’t be apart. However, in 1885, there aren’t many things a young couple can manage easily.
As life happens, so do varying cases that deal in mystery, murder, kidnapping and drugs. As things unfold, Emma finds herself in Paris with Tony for a case. She will have to use all of her skills and knowledge to safely navigate everything thrown her way.
In this book 3, the reader is still approached in third person, as if the story is told from another perspective. The consistency between the previous books into this one is appreciated as it can get difficult to keep up with a third person view in the way this is written.
One strong difference I felt in this book was the detail. In the previous book, I felt detail was lacking and could be improved upon using the Narrator and Dear-One, however, this book has strong detail throughout and the storyline is well thought out.
I’m still fascinated by the concept of the journals reliving the cases, and I will continue reading more of the series as I can. If you choose to pick it up, reading the books in order works best to capture the information on the characters the best, but it’s far from necessary.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tia Martelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTia Martel2022-08-17 19:00:482022-08-19 17:41:04Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tia Martel
Book 4 starts us with Emma in 1887. Jeremy and Emma am start off immediately chasing bank robbers after a train wreck is used to help them escape and as usual death and mystery are in the air.
Once they’ve solved one mystery and return home there’s a bit of downtime, however, Emma is determined to not let normal life bring her down. Constantly searching for the next case, Emma searches the newspaper eagerly. Soon she’s got her hands full with one case and needs help with a second case that’s unfolding.
As usual, nothing is ever as it seems and Emma and Jeremy are left wondering if anything around them is what it appears.
Unexpected Outcomes is book 4 in the series and just like before, it all flows together. I feel like the reader can get more insight into what/who the Narrator might be, and just how strongly they (Narrator) follow along with the cases.
The story is strong in detail right from the start and definitely pulls your attention easily. I felt that the length worked well with the amount of cases and detail the author worked in and I’m excited for the next installment!
I love mystery stories. I love this type of mystery story! Emma and Jeremy are a team, not just a couple. You see that more as the story progresses that they work well together in the team manor. Emma is a courier that has a lot of various “jobs” and trains are one that cause her problems as you will see in this story.
With the help of Jeremy and her family and friends she is able to solve several cases. All while being caught in the crossfires several times of danger! Jeremy wants to change child labor at a local factory after solving a case for them. You learn to love him and his heart is in the best interest of helping others. He wants to see the best in people to.
I did like how the author tied Emma and Jeremy’s families together. Like they were truly meant to be together.
I am for sure looking forward to more from this author!
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 Pulliam2022-08-17 18:09:092022-08-19 17:34:34Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Ashes by MK Harkins
