This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
The Bella Chronicles: The Adventure Begins by Erica Leigh Austin introduces readers to a four-year-old Shih Tzu named Bella who was so unhappy in her old home that she decided to run away, hoping to find someone who would truly love her. She didn't really devise a plan; she just decided to go, but when she hears someone say that there is a dog in trouble she doesn't hesitate to stop and help. Soon though, she realizes that there are two women chasing her - will she be able to get away from them and if she does where will she go?
This is an action packed, easy to read chapter story that is certain to capture the imagination of young and old alike. I found myself drawn into the story of Bella and whether or not she would find a forever home. The Bella Chronicles: The Action Begins is such a wonderful story where Erica Leigh Austin allows readers to see the story unfold through the eyes of Bella and the many animal friends that she meets! I love the way the animals communicate. There always seems to be plenty of animal drama going on and Bella always winds up right in the middle of it. The author allows Bella to deal with plenty of issues that young readers may be facing as well, such as bullying and making new friends. Bella often has a sharp sense of humor which had me laughing out loud as I visualised the scenes that Erica Leigh Austin described, such as Bella getting dressed up, or going to the vet. I could just imagine Bella standing up to those mean bullies and being rescued by a few of her friends.
The descriptive writing paired together with very well done illustrations allow the characters to jump from the pages and right into my imagination. I could easily visualise Charlie the squirrel or Barney the cat. Each animal character had a very unique personality and voice, and I found myself anxious to see who the author might introduce next. I became so absorbed in the story that I really felt like I was seeing the adventures unfold through the eyes of the animals. I loved this story and the splash of mystery and suspense the author provided made for a page turning read. The bombshell ending that Ms. Austin provides certainly piques my interest in the next book in The Bella Chronicles.
