November 2017 – Author D.L. Finn

Some more books read!

This week I’m sharing the books I’ve been reading.

By Mae Clair

“A Desolate Hour” continues where “A Cold Tomorrow” ends. Everything from the first two books are explained with a couple of surprise twists I didn’t see coming. We are introduced to the Ouija board’s mysterious clue “QM”–or the new character, Quentin Marsh. Quentin fits right into the town seamlessly as he searches for more information about his family’s curse on behalf of his pregnant sister. Caden, Eve, Ryan, Katie and Sarah are back in the thick of the story, along with Mothman, men in black, and the curse. Ms. Clair has weaved folklore and history into an amazing tale. I loved the first two books and this final novel didn’t disappoint—in fact it took everything up a notch. I’ve grown to love this town and the people in it and was glad for the journey they took me on! I highly recommend this series for those who love an entertaining, well-written story with some paranormal, a bit of reality and a little romance.

His Revenge

by John W. Howell

I have eagerly awaited reading more about John Cannon after “My GRL”. Mr. Howell has a unique way of writing that brings the reader into the action quickly. The story continues with John waking up in a hospital after stopping a terrorist attack. I felt the anxiety of not being able to move one’s arms or see– like the main character when he awakened. As soon as John arrives home, the action begins and never lets up until the last page. While the plan is to go meet the president to be honored as a hero…well, nothing goes the way it should because his enemy has “other” ideas. This book, like the first, kept me up late, into the night because I wanted to see what was going to happen next. I immediately started reading “Our Justice” the third book in this series—after finishing “His Revenge”! If you love a thrilling, suspenseful, and action-packed story you’ll love this book!

I was going to share leaves from our “Thankful Tree” this week. Unfortunately, we lost my mother- in- law this weekend and that didn’t get done. I’ll share more about that in next week’s blog and where I found my gratitude during this.

Embrace your inner child, D.L. Finn

A Poem and Review

lake tahoe

Here is another poem (to be included in “Just her Poetry”) written from the back of the Harley on an amazing trip to Lake Tahoe at end of October:

BEAUTY

The beauty of the mountains

Warms my essence

Yet, at the same time

Chills my exposure.

The tall pines reach out to me

Offering the breath of life

That fill my lungs,

While the smaller trees

All planted firmly in the granite

Spill yellow and red

Every direction…

Which allows my eyes to feast

The nature that swaddles my soul–

From the back of the Harley.

The journey continues

Into this surreal landscape

Where I find my peace in the beauty.

I always enjoy celebrating the first review on Amazon! Here is the first one for “This Second Chance“:

Finn captured all the things I like reading about in this book

By Linda

D.L. Finn captured all the things I like reading about in this book. Good, evil, things we can’t explain and most of all love and family. I had a hard time putting it down wondering how the characters would get through their challenges. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to all who take the time to leave a review after you read a book–it is the best gift any author could receive!

I am thankful and blessed for each and everyone of you– for being in my life in person and over the internet! I will be sharing some of what my family added to our “Thankful Tree” this year in next week’s blog!

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it:) If you don’t take a moment to be thankful for all you have in your life.

NOTE: It is that time of year when I need to mention I live in the forest. Why is this important? Because, sometimes our area gets a storm that will knock out our power, internet and phone. When this happens, I light a candle, sit by our wood stove, and enjoy a nice cup of tea. Unfortunately, it also means I won’t be able to access my blog or newsletter. So, if I disappear for a while, know I’m enjoying the weather! If a blog or newsletter gets sent or posted where you see mistakes or something is missing, it is because I work on them online–if the power is out I can’t do that. I apologize if that happens and will fix it as soon as I am able to!

Embrace your inner child, D.L. Finn

Fall books read

‘Til Death Do Us Part

By Jan Sikes

This is the final book in the fictionalized true-story of Luke and Darlina Stone. The story continues where it left off in “Home at Last” for Luke and Darlina. The remarkable journey of this couple comes full circle when music reenters their lives. I loved that Darlina (and their daughter) joined Luke on stage. It was beautiful to read the process of this couple creating music together. I felt every emotion reading “’Til Death Do Us Part”, especially knowing it’s the real story of the author– and it was the last book. I was heartbroken watching the decline of Luke’s health, but was amazed, again, at how strong their love was. When I hear an owl hoot at night it will always remind me of this couple’s unwavering love. A beautifully written series I highly recommend.

A Cold Tomorrow (Point Pleasant #2)

by Mae Clair

I was very excited to read the second book in the Point Pleasant series, and found I enjoyed “A Cold Tomorrow” as much as “A Thousand Yesteryears”. Ms. Clair continues with characters from the first book, along with UFOs, animal mutilations, mysterious drawings, men in black, an ex-boyfriend, and the Mothman. There was a budding romance between Ryan and Katie, but it’s the mystery and suspense that made it hard for me to put the book down. I loved the little details of the town, characters, and the Mothman legend that drew me into “their” story. This book is well-written with every element I enjoy in a fiction including: the paranormal, mystery, a bit of romance, and suspense. I’ll be diving right into the final book “A Desolate Hour”. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next! I highly recommend this book and series.

I am honored to be the RWISA “Rising” Writer for the month of November! Check out the cool video and the excerpt from This Second Chance.

Embrace your inner child! D.L. Finn

The Road Now Taken

aurora road

Discovery Trail, Nevada City CA

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you are fighting and losing? I’m not talking about things out of your control where all you can do is move forward and survive. This is a time where you can influence the outcome. Where the same thing keeps making an appearance in your life—a theme. You respond the same, and the same conclusion appears. It’s not the ending you’d like to see, yet you keep doing it over and over.

Well, I’m in one of those life “moments”. Of course, my first response is to fight the situation and create the outcome I want, but it isn’t working. So, all I can do is step back and see where I am being guided. The “why” becomes what can I “learn” from this? What am I missing? What I think should be going on right now and reality–are two completely different things. Will I finally make those changes that I need in my life? I’ve found if I don’t, life has a way of making sure I do! Yet, I’m always glad for the lesson, even if I grumble all the way through it.

So, firmly embedded in this life change, I look at the picture above my desk. It’s a bare tree silhouetted in winter on the left side, and on the other side is one of my favorite poems, “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. I know the meaning can be interpreted many different ways, but I approach it in a positive manner. I see it as an life affirming change–when the time comes.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—/I took the one less traveled by,/And that has made all the difference.”–Robert Frost

I’m choosing that new road that shows less sign of travel. I’ve been on the other path for a long time and seen all I can. It’s time to branch off into new territory and find that “difference” I’m seeking. Then, when I get a sign I’m going in the right direction, I know I’ve learned and changed on the road now taken.

More in future blogs on some of those signs and changes!

Next week I will share some books I’ve been reading!

Heading into the Holidays…embrace your inner child! D.L. Finn