Happy Spring! It is a season of awakening spectacular renewal! The birds return making their nests, flowers burst forth blooms of brilliant hues and the landscape is alive with growth and change. I can’t help but feel the transformation and beauty that surrounds me. I feel renewed after my immersion into winter’s powerful storms that left a healing or insight behind. Each season brings about its own transformation that I gladly welcome.
Books do the same thing for me. They each have their own voice and story to tell like the seasons. I’m very thankful for all the stories I have been lucky enough to read over the years. In the past couple of years, I have been devoting more time to reading indie authors. It has been a creative and honest world I’ve found. Some books I’ve read have deeply touched me either with: insight, style, a journey, laughter, tears, or a visit to a new world. Here is my first, but not last, list of adult or YA indie books that left me a better person in one form or another–and a better writer after reading them. I’ll be doing a list for each new season this year!
Books That Changed Me—Spring Edition:
by Gwendolyn M. Plano
This is a book I need to go back and re-read. I’ll never think of angels in the same way–and now I can feel the comfort of their wings, too.
Here’s my 5-star review:
For such a difficult subject to write about (and read) I found myself inspired by the time I finished Letting Go Into Perfect Love, Discovering the Extraordinary After Abuse. Ms. Plano takes her readers through her pain and disappointments in life. The abuse she suffered at the hands of the person who should have held her up in love, could have made her cold or give up. She did neither of those things. Instead, her faith and hope only increased. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has been a victim of abuse or anyone who needs to be uplifted by strength, hope and faith.
by Jan Sikes
I loved the entire series, but this book holds a special place in my heart. It showed me that love can overcome anything.
Here’s my 5-star review:
I have been looking forward to reading the second book of this series. The fictionalized true-story continues for Luke and Darlina after he goes to prison–for a crime he didn’t commit. The couple decides Darlina should go on with her life, while Luke deals with prison in his usual rebellious fashion. They go through changes and grow–which keeps you turning the page long into the night to see what happens next. The process of how Luke and Darlina handle this situation is captivating to read. I not only found the physical changes in their lives compelling, but the spiritual process amazing. It’s a book that shows us to never give up and how to make the best of a bad situation while at the same time it’s about a love that can overcome anything. It is beautifully written and I’ll be continuing this journey in the next book. I highly recommend this if you are a fan of love –or like reading about change and the strength of what the human spirit can overcome.
I was drawn into a new world that I didn’t want to leave. I found the perfect blend of everything I love in this YA fantasy series!
Here’s my 5-star review:
I admit to having read (and loved) the second book of the Diasodz series “The Enlightened One”—first. My plan was to read the first book before continuing with book three. Part of me wondered if doing so would rehash everything I knew, but I found that wasn’t an issue. I was quickly lost in “The One Discovered”. The depth and creativity to which Ms. Calleiro takes her story and characters pulled me in as I learned more about my favorites like: Sophia, Ar’ch, and Angel! Watching Sophia discover things aren’t what they seem, and the developing love triangle was fascinating. I don’t want to give too much away in this amazing YA story, but if you love a skillfully blended mix of romance, adventure, fantasy, magic and other worldly beings– along with a mix of new age and earth lore–you will love this. I eagerly dove into book 3 “The One Betrayed” and cannot wait to see where Ms. Calleiro takes us next. I highly recommend this book!
Embrace your inner child with a awesome indie book! D.L. Finn
I’ve read all three of these, Denise, and found them engaging reads. Congrats to Gwen, Jan, and Yvette!
Thanks, Mae! A lot of talent out there and I’m so glad I can do this three more times this year:)
This is a great list. I’ve read the first two and agree wholeheartedly. Thanks Denise. Much love.
Thank you Lynda! Much love sent back 🙂
I loved Yvette’s series. She said she’s working on a prequel. I can’t wait!
Hi Staci!
I am looking forward to that prequel, too!
I’ve read all three, and loved each of them! Gwen’s book was my top rated Non-fiction read of 2017. Thanks so much for sharing your reviews of these great reads, Denise.
Thanks, Soooz:) I had a hard time narrowing it down, but hers was my first. Glad I have three other seasons to post:)
Awesome reviews and books to share, Denise! Letting Go into Perfect Love is one of my favourites as well. It’s powerful and penetrating. I have Jan’s and Yvette’s books on my Kindle too. Looking forward to reading them soon. My TBR list is huge, and that’s just awesome! Cheers. 🙂
Thanks, Natalie! It was powerful and penetrating–perfect was to put it! I don’t even know how many books I have awaiting me on my Kindle:)
I have also read all three plus Yvette’s complete series. Such good choices you made, Denise, and I completely agree with your reviews of each of them.
Thanks, Karen! My list was longer, but I decided to break it up over the seasons:)
Thank you so much for posting these, Denise. Letting Go Into Perfect Love is such an inspiring and empowering book. It too changed my life. I have The One Discovered waiting on my TBR list and know I will love it. AND, a million thanks for the review for The Convict and the Rose! Hugs!
Yes, it was a very inspiring and empowering book:) I am sure you will enjoy The One discovered. Your whole series was amazing, Jan, including the book of poetry, but this book and the last one really have lingered with me– which attests to not only the story but the writer, thanks! Hugs back:)
Good choices, Dl. All best wishes. ♥
Thank you Billy!
I am honored to be a part of this list. Thank you for sharing your love for my series, Denise. Your review (and reviews like yours) are what makes an author’s heart melt. 😍 I have both Gwen and Jan’s books on my Kindle and look forward to reading them, especially after seeing your reviews. 😊
I had three books come to mind immediately so I went with it and will add the other books in the coming seasons. There was something so unique about your world it has stayed with me. Yes, great reviews certainly can make ones day I agree, Yvette! I think you will really enjoy Jan’s series and Gwen’s book.
Awesome post, Denise. I know Jan and Gwen are fantastic. Thanks for the introduction to Yevette. Hugs all around.
Thank you Teagan:) They are fantastic you are right! Glad to introduce you to Yvette!
Thank you so much, D.L., for your kind words I’m on the road, having just left a family gathering and to see your post, warmed my heart immensely. Blessings. 😘
Hi Gwen:) I hope you had a good gathering. I’m very glad it warmed your heart because your book has certainly does that for me and others! Have a safe journey home.
I absolutely love the idea behind this post. I feel the same way about books. I guess that’s why I’m often sad at the end, even with a happy ending. I find myself not wanting to close the book. 🙂
Thank you Marlena! I can’t wait to get to end of book to find out what happens…then I’m sad too when its over like you:) Nothing like a good book though…
So agree!
Denise, I decided to look in on your post and it is a wonderful way to showcase our members’ books. Gwen Plano was very courageous in writing her story and I can relate to her all the way. I haven’t read Jan Sikes’ book(s) yet but I have them; and what can I say about Yvette Calliero except I love her work and love it. I was not a fan of fantasy but since becoming a member and reading this genre, I have come to love it.
Lastly, I’m reading your story and can relate as well to your health and what you had to do to get well. I’ve come a long ways myself.
Thank you for showcasing your reviews. I’ve seen this on other blogs and it is such a wonderful idea.
Yes, I agree Gwen was courageous writing her book and I find myself reflecting on it at times. I love fantasy and Yvette’s books are pretty amazing. You will enjoy Jan’s books its and amazing love story. Yes, I read more genres than I used to since joining, too. The quality of the work I’ve read has been really good, too. I was a fantasy, mystery, horror reader but now I read it all.
It is a journey to get your health back…I go down hill if I get really stressed, but I have the tools now to get there once I realize that. Your book was good about giving tips in that direction, Shirley.
I love how many blogs post their reviews, too. I hope it will encourage someone to read something they usually wouldn’t! I always appreciate a good book and like to share.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I’ve some reading to do! ♥
🙂 Yay!