I was going to wait and post these as August Book Reviews, but there are so many I thought it might be better to post now. I will do an August Book Review in a couple of weeks. Several of these reviews are for short stories, along with historical fiction, poetry, and prehistory fiction. All suited for summertime reading.
As usual, I only post 4-5 stars reviews of indie books I’ve read.
by Robbie Cheadle, Elsie Hancy Eaton
“While the Bombs Fell” is told through the eyes of a young girl in England during WWII. From food rations to bombs falling, it was a fascinating look into war from a child’s eyes. It was written much like a journal or someone retelling their memories—which it was. I was drawn into what it would be like to live through this period via Elise’s descriptions. Between supplementing their food with a garden, going into the bomb shelter during raids, or the children finding ways to entertain themselves, I felt like I understood what she went through. I loved the addition of recipes at the end. This is a great peek into what it was like to survive in wartime, especially for children.
My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons
“My Maine” is a fantastic collection of nature haiku. Going through the seasons, I would I’d found my favorite one, but I hadn’t because they were all good. It was impressive with the limited wordage of the poems that so much information came across. The pictures added more depth to the words, and I enjoyed learning some new details along the way. This is an excellent blend of poetry, photographs, and facts about Maine. If you love nature and poetry, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this!
Survival of the Fittest (the Crossroads Trilogy Book 1)
by Jacqui Murray
I’ve never read a novel set 850,000 years ago. The details and obvious research were amazing, as was the story. Xhosa is a strong female in times when males rule the tribes. I loved her character and how she looked at the world through her senses, instinct, and duty. It repulsed me when they ate their kill without cooking it, but I had to remember they didn’t have control of fire yet. Ms. Murray takes the reader deep into that period, where I could easily imagine how it might have been living then. I was rooting for Xhosa and her tribe as they tried to survive other tribe’s attacks and nature. I loved the relationships that developed as they met up with others fleeing the same situation. I’m completely hooked on this moment in history and storyline. I will definitely read the rest of this series and highly recommend it.
Slimmer: A Contemporary Romance
by Wendy Jayne
I could relate to the main character, Pippa, trying to lose weight for an upcoming event. Determined to fit into a smaller dress, Pippa wanted to impress the man she had a crush on since she was a teenager. Her struggle and attempts were amusing. Satisfied with the outcome and Pippa’s conclusions, I appreciated this short story!
by Jan Sikes
I loved this short story about two young girls abandoned by their mother while their father was away at war and declared MIA. Jennifer, at fourteen years old, takes over the care of herself and her younger sister. This was so well-written I was feeling a lot of emotions reading it including anger at the mother to cheering Jennifer on. All the small details brought it to life for me. If you love heart-warming stories, this is a must read!
by Jan Sikes
Jewel, her sister, and mother lived in poverty. Her mother became sick and couldn’t take care of her girls. The mother found new situations for them both to give them a better chance of a better life. Jewel took everything in stride thrown at her. This short story had a fairy tale quality to it with an adult subject. I enjoyed the theme of a young girl who came from nothing and found her place in the world.
by WJ Scott
Two brothers are sent to live with Aunt Sally because their mother is sick. I loved how Brodie took care of his little brother Tom on the journey there with their aunt. When they arrive, the town appears to be hiding something which made me very curious. The place felt so real and strange at the same time. I enjoyed the boys trying to find the secret with the aide of their aunt’s dog. The reason surprised me and made this an exciting and highly recommended short read!
by Jan Sikes
Two friends are drinking away Claire’s pain. All in good fun, Claire and Jade make a Voodoo doll resembling the husband who just left Claire for another woman. Ms. Sikes wrote this in a fashion that felt authentic to me. There was a woman betrayed and heartbroken with a friend trying to cheer her up. I could easily imagine sitting with these two women, making a doll to work through all the bad feelings with an unexpected outcome. This short story was a quick read, but a complete story that I thoroughly enjoyed—and highly recommend!
by Rhani D’Chae
This short story takes us to a future I hope doesn’t happen but feels very real. Prisoner Maxwell Drake is a part of the fighting ring in the Seattle prison. The fights are brutal, bloody, and controlled by the warden for profit. It immediately drew me into the story, including the predicament of being forced to do something Maxwell didn’t want to and the consequences of refusing. I want to know more about this world and Maxwell and can’t wait for the novel! I recommend this story that takes the reader into an action-filled glimpse of what could be.
UPDATES
There will be no blog post next Sunday. August 4th. There’s a family wedding and my son is coming down for a visit. (Plus, I have my weekly older grandkid stay, and it’s fair time, too). So, I will enjoy these happy celebrations and devote my full focus to family and fun. I will be back August 11th or the last weekend of summer before school starts here. Whew!
Embrace your inner child this summer by reading a great story! D. L. Finn
I am in august company here, DL. Thanks for sharing my book!
And they are in good company with you, too:) I’m happy to spread the word so others can enjoy it!
Excellent reviews, Denise. I’ve read four of these books and found them outstanding. I have another on my TBR radar. Congrats to all the authors.
Wishing you an awesome time with family next weekend!
Thanks, Mae. Whichever book you have on your TBR list I’m sure you will enjoy it!
We are all looking forward to a celebration, thank you.
Great selection, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Staci. I’m happy to!
Wow! What a combination Denise! Each one seems better than the other! Lovely reviews! Congratulations everyone.
A little something for everyone! Thanks, Balroop:)
Thanks Denise, You are a ferocious reader!
I’m having a fabulous time reading so many good books:)
Oh my goodness, Denise!! What an awesome post for me to come home to today! Thank you SO much for reading and reviewing my three short stories! I also read several of the others and agree with your reviews!
It’s always good to come home to reviews, I agree:) I’ve been looking forward to reading them!
A lovely surprise to read your review of While the Bombs Fell here, Denise. I have read some of these other books and have others on my TBR. Thanks for the recommendations.
You should enjoy the ones on your TBR list, Robbie:) I’m always happy to share the books I’ve enjoyed!
Congratulations to everyone reviewed. I hope you have a great time with your family Denise.
All good reads, Rob:) Thank you, I’m looking forward to a celebration!
I’ve read and enjoyed a few of these and thanks to your fab reviews, I’m adding more to my TBR! lol
I’m sure you will enjoy your new TBR list additions, Jacquie:) I have a hard time passing up well reviewed books, too…lol.
What wonderful reviews! I have almost all the short stories, but I’ve yet to enjoy the masterpieces. Thank you for the reading nudge! ♥ ♥ ♥
You’ll enjoy them all, Gwen, I believe! Happy reading:)
Entertaining! ♥
Thanks, Billy:)
Your reviews always help me decide what next to read on my Kindle. Thanks!
Thanks, Mary:) I always find my next reads through reviews, too!
🙂
Really good reviews. Quite a few books I’m not familiar with so a good heads up on them. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks, Kevin:) I find lots of good reads through reviews!
As do I, and through recommendations by other authors whom I’ve come to respect. 🙂
Amazing reviews to share, Denise. Bravo to all. Hope you enjoy a fabulous time with your family. Cheers! 🙂
Thanks, Natalie! I enjoyed resding them all. I’m looking forward to some fun family time.
Hi, Denise! Great reviews! I just recently read ‘Voodoo or Destiny you decide’ by Jan Sikes and I loved it. It was such a fun read. Thanks for the other recommendations. I have most of these in my Kindle. It’s time to add more to my TBR list. All the best! <3
It really was a fun read Vashti! I’m sure you will enjoy the rest, too. Yay! Happy reading:)
Thank you so much for posting your Megamax review on your blog! I am honored to be among these wonderful authors! 😀
Happy to, Rhani! I can’t wait to read more:)
Fantastic Denise thank you.. great recommendations.
Thanks, Sally:) I’m amazed at the talent I’m lucky enough to read.
I know, I feel the same Denise.. xx
I have read all but two of the books you have reviewed here. It is wonderful that you are giving recognition to these outstanding authors.
I get a lot of pleasure from reading and enjoy sharing it, Karen:)
Thanks so much for sharing My Maine among your wonderful reviews, Denise. Happy days with your family as you celebrate summer’s end together–a perfect way to end the season! <3 xo
Thank you Bette:) I’m really looking forward to upcoming events and being with family. I really enjoyed My Maine!
So many to choose from . . . I guess I’ll just have to read them all. Thank you for sharing, Denise.
Can’t go wrong there, Mark:)
Great reviews and recommendations, Denise. I’ve read and reviewed a few. Congratulations to the talented authors. 🙂
Thank you. Miriam:) Yes. A talented group!
I agree, Denise. You should include your books in every review!
What an exciting collection. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these books, Denise. Happy weekend hugs!
It was, Teagan! Hugs back:)
Great reviews, Denise! A number of these are already on my TBR, but my list is always hungry for more… Hope you had a good weekend with family!
My list always accepts new additions, too. You can’t go wrong with any of these books! I had a wonderful time and one more family filled weekend left of this summer this weekend! Hope you are enjoying this summer:)
I’ve read many of these on your list, Denise (I’m proud to say). We bloggers and independent authors have an exorbitant amount of talent out there! Thanks for bringing these books and stories to everyone’s attention.
All great reads, Pam:) I agree there is so much talent and I love sharing it!