“Memoir of a Mad Woman” is a short, but chilling read. You’re taken into the mind of a young girl, Emma, who had a very unstable upbringing. Emma ends up in an orphanage. This is where she’s finally pushed completely over the edge. It’s brutal and almost unthinkable what follows. The characters feel real, which makes it all the more terrifying in their cruelty. How Emma responds to what she considers a complete betrayal, you can’t help but to root for her and feel her pain. I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological thriller and felt like I understood her madness. I highly recommend this well-written dark short story.
“Atonement in Bloom” is the second book in the Atonement series and begins where “Atonement, Tennessee” left off. Ralda Lawton is settling into her new home, has friends and found supernatural beings, too. I loved the narrative going between Ralda and Lilith her cat. I appreciated seeing Atonement through the cat’s eyes. I’d like to think my cats are as observant as this calico. With Faes, glowing pigs, and failed magic mixed with mystery, a small town, a sudden appearing house, and a kidnapping–it was a hard story to put down. The relationship between Ralda and Bethany is endearing. They retained their memories from the first book, while others didn’t. Then help came from an unexpected ally, which added a new dynamic to their relationship. I loved the Tea Room where Ralda and her friends met. I could picture myself having a cup of tea there easily. This is an imaginative, fun read that I highly recommend, but I’d start with “Atonement, Tennessee” first if you haven’t read it, so you don’t miss anything.
Vampire Bay (Hunters #3)
By Sandra Cox
This is the third book in the Hunters Series and revisits Zoe and her Uncle Kilmer, after book two visits Zoe’s cousin, Jolene the “weres” hunter. Zoe and her uncle go to a small town to hunt vampires. They stay in a house that used to belong to a vampire Zoe had killed and immediately have a run-in with “vamps”. I enjoyed the relationship between Zoe and her protective uncle, as well as her boyfriend Sam. While Zoe appears to be a fashion-conscious teen, she’s also an intelligent hunter. I’ve loved all three of the books in this YA series and hope there are future books about Zoe. I recommend this for not only YA readers, but adults who enjoy a story through a teenager’s point of view.
Starting next week I will be posting a series of four blogs where I’ll be reflecting on my journey as an indie author, in honor of my four-year anniversary in February. I will not have any book reviews posted here until after, but I’ll be reading. Right now I’m thoroughly enjoying, “End of Day” by Mae Clair. Then I’m heading into the final installment of the Four Seasons Series “Into Summer” by Larry Landgraf with a long “Reading List” to follow! I have my list on Goodreads marked under currently reading. I’m very excited to work my way through that list–then add more.
Embrace your inner child by reading a book! D.L. Finn
Excellent reviews, Denise.
Thanks John 🙂
Great reviews, Denise. I’m already a huge fan of Vashti’s work and am so looking forward to reading ‘Memoir of A Mad Woman’. I’ve yet to read works by Teagan and Sandra but these reviews will ensure I check out their work.
Aw, thank you so much for the kind words, Suzanne.😊
I am a huge fan, too Soooz. You will definitely enjoy “Memoir of a Mad Woman. ” Its always fun to find new authors to read. Thanks Soooz:)
😊
You’re welcome any time, Soooz. The Atonement stories are urban fantasy, but like my Roaring Twenties stories they have a strong dose of whimsy. Have a marvelous Monday!
😊Whimsy works for me, Teagan. My Monday was super productive and it’s already 8.30 am Tuesday here in Oz. I’m speaking to you from tomorrow … whimsy anyone?
lol
Hello Denise. Great reviews! Thank you very much for reading and reviewing Memoir of a Mad Woman. I’m looking forward to your blog posts.
😊💕
Thanks Vashti! It was a great story:)
A huge congrats to all the authors.They are all spectacular and deserve the limelight!
Thanks Mae! They are I agree:)
Hi Denise. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Atonement in Bloom. Wow, am I ever in terrific company here.
You’ve warmed my heart on this bitterly cold day. Thank you so very much! Hugs on the wing.
I’m glad I could warm your heart on a bitterly cold day:) I loved Atonement and hope there is more to come! Hugs back.
You are so kind. 🙂 I have always intended a third book. I want it to be sort of an origin story, going back to the original Esmeralda in the late 1700s. That said, it’s “technically” a difficult story to create. With getting ready to move across the country, coping with crippling agoraphobia (since that move is coming), I’m not doing much writing or editing… But the story is on my mind. It means a lot to me that you’d like there to be another one. Hugs on the wing!
Great interviews! ♥
Thanks Billy:)
Another great list. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Staci. Happy you dropped by:)
Fantastic reviews! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jan! Happy to!
Amazing reviews to share, Denise! Cheers to all.
I look forward to your upcoming posts. 🙂
Thanks Natalie! I’m so happy you stopped by. Hope you are having a great week.
These look so intruguing! Great reviews as well, Denise. My TBR list is growing!
Thanks Julie:) My list keeps growing, too, even when I say I’m not going to add anymore until I caught up…lol.