“One Dyke Cozy” is a short story about two girls that became best friends at eight years old, Shy and Gabby. They are complete opposites but balance each other. These characters had me laughing and shedding a few tears. Not only did the story tug at my emotions, but it dove into a female’s role in society both straight and gay. Shy and Gabby’s interactions felt very real and I could empathize with the hangovers Gabby ended up with just as much as why she was drinking. I loved how the drink cozy, Mr. Happy, became a real part of this friendship. I highly recommend this!
Thistledown – Midsummer Bedlam
I’m already a fan of Ms. Geneviene, so I was excited to learn that “Thistledown – Midsummer Bedlam” was about faeries. Thistledown is a place where faeries live, including Bedlam Thunder. It’s full of color, magic, and beauty. Bedlam has dark visions that not only get her kicked out of school but also affect her health and well-being. I love the little details not only in the scenery, but I can imagine how painful a wing injury would be. The faery names always brought a smile to my face, and at the end of the story, you can create your faery name. The only downside was that there was repeat information that I found distracting while I was reading. Still, this story was a lot of fun, and it would be great to sit down and read with a child—or alone.
by Mae Clair
I have loved this series and was looking forward to the final book. I have to say this was the best of all the stories, and that’s saying a lot. “Eventide” has everything I enjoy in a story, including a haunted house, graveyard, relationships, mystery, and great characters all offered in a dual timeline. I was rooting for not only Madison as she started over in a haunted house after a breakdown, but some ghosts, too. It was great to have past characters and their stories cross over into the current tale. There was plenty of mystery. Some of it I figured out, but there were a few surprises, too. I was happy to see how past romances were doing, but it was Madison’s determination that resonated deeply with me. The settings were poetically presented, which I appreciated, the characters were real with their flaws, and the paranormal believably frightening—what a great way to end a series. I highly recommend this book, but I suggest you go back and read all three so you don’t miss out on anything!
by C.S. Boyack
“The Playground” is a story told through three points of view, Clovis, Chloe, and Gina. The one that chilled me the most was through the eyes of the little girl, Chloe. She gets a popular talking doll that interacts with her and the other dolls through its programming. This leads her down a dark path that I could easily see happening at some point in our future. Clovis is a hired killer after the programmer of these toys, who meets up with a dog who I immediately loved. The dog made Clovis more likable, even with his tough exterior. Then there is Dr. Gina Greybill who is a caretaker and is thrown into the paranormal. This character was hard to warm up to at first, but by the end, I was all in. Evil is the thread that weaves through this story, along with greed. This is a clever, chilling what-if with a paranormal twist that made for a page-turning read.
“Silver Bells” is a quick holiday read I finished in one night! Christie and her daughter, Kelly, move to a coastal town in Canada to start over. I love the relationship between Christie and her daughter while they handle Kelly’s diabetes. That adds another dimension to the story along with the new friend who helps with the daughter. The setting is charming, and I love that Christie’s an artist, but it’s the meeting of Joel, the novelist, that propels the story forward. At first, I didn’t like Joel on any level, but Christie’s attraction was strong and immediate. Then, as Joel steps outside of himself, with the help of his grandmother, I warmed up to him and their interactions. The relationship that develops between Joel and Kelly is endearing. This is a fun read by the Christmas tree, but it could be for any time of the year.
Embrace your inner child by reading a fantastic book this year! D. L. Finn
Terrific reviews, Denise.
Thanks, John:)
What a great collection. Nicely done!
Thank you, Jacqui:)
Fantastic reviews, Denise! I cannot wait to open Eventide! Every review I read makes me want to hurry up and get to it! Right now I’m reading RRBC author books. Darn It! I wish all these authors were RRBC members. 🙂
Thanks, Jan! You will love Mae’s new book:) I have so many to read from what I picked up at the Holiday Pop-Up, but had committed to reading others and finishing series first. I wish there were more hours to read and I agree with your wish.
Jan,I’m grinning that you’re looking forward to Eventide. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it, but I also understand brimming TBRs! 🙂
Great to read your reviews, Denise! I love your generosity as well. 🙂
eden
Aw, thanks, Eden! xo
Thank you for the wonderful review on Silver Bells, Denise! I’m so glad Joel won you over in the end 🙂
I’m reading Eventide now and totally agree- it’s sensational!
I think it’s one of Mae’s best, Jacquie! Yes, Joel did win me over, but I was mad at him for a bit…lol.
I’m going to have to get Silver Bells on my reading radar. You are such a prolific writer, Jacquie, it’s hard to stay on top of all of your releases, LOL!
And I’m delighted to hear that you’re enjoying Eventide. Yippee! 🙂
Great reviews. I’ve only read one of these but I agree, Eventide was my favorite of Mae’s Hodes Hill Series.
Aww, thanks, Joan. I’m kind of partial to Eventide myself 🙂
Thanks, Joan:) Yes Mae really ended this series what a huge bang!
Great reviews, Denise. I’ve read Eventide and The playground and loved both books. I’ll have to check out the others too. Thanks for sharing.
Reblogged on:https://harmonykent.co.uk/january-book-reviews-jacqbiggar-virgilante-maeclair1-teagangeneviene-rhanidchae/ and commented: Some great books and reviews over at Denise Finn’s place … well worth checking out for your next reads >>>
I love hearing that you enjoyed Eventide, Harmony. Thank you!
And I have to agree about The Playground as well!
Both great stories:)Playground sat on my TBR list for way too long. Thanks for the reblog, Harmony!
Thank you for sharing these books and reviews. I have read two of them and will have to check out the others.
Happy to, Karen! Thanks, I think you will enjoy:)
Thank you for placing me with these other great authors. So glad you enjoyed Playground.
Your story left chills with the reality of what techology can do:) i have a couple more that’s been sitting on my TBR list I will get yo this year.
Social media really poses a risk that way. I wanted to point it out. Glad it came across in the story.
Great reviews, Denise! I love your blog, so I’ve nominated your for the Sunshine Blogger Award! You deserve it! Visit my blog to see details,
https://markbierman.wordpress.com/blog/
Thank you, Mark! I’m honored you thought of me:) it will take me a couple of days but I will get my blog posted and questions answered.
Always happy to share good books read.
You deserve it! No rush, take your time.
Great reviews, Denise! I loved Eventide as well (now to get that review written 😀 )
Oooh, I’m excited you enjoyed it, Julie, and can’t wait to see your review.
I tend to break into Snoopy Dances when I get a new one, LOL!
I have to write mine right away or I will forget lol.
Awesome reviews to share, Denise. What a fabulous beginning to 2020! Bravo to all! 🙂
Thank you Natalie:) Reading is a fantastic way to bring in the new year!
Lovely reviews Denise…I haven’t read a single book out of these but you inspire me to pick some. Thanks.
Thank you, Balroop. I love to hear that. Happy reading:)
These are all terrific reviews, Denise. I also enjoyed The Playground and I love Teagan and Jacquie’s writing. I have Mae’s book on my kindle so the only new author to me is Rhani.
These are all great authors. I’ve always enjoyed everything Rhani’s written! She has some fun short stories to get acquainted with including zombies, serial killers or vampires. Thanks, Robbie.
Congrats to everyone else for getting stellar reviews. Hugs on the wing.
I hope you do more faeries stories, Teagan. I’m a fan of faries.I still have a couple more on my TBR list of yours I want to read. I love when I can share all the good books I’m reading:)
Denise, thanks for including Eventide with this collection of excellent books. I’ve read The Playground and really enjoyed it. I have other titles here waiting on my TBR. Congrats to all, and thanks for sharing!
I can’t say enough about Eventide, Mae. A grand slam! Playground is a read that leaves you thinking long after you finish it. I’m sure you will enjoy your reading.
🙂
I enjoy your recaps, Denise. Tantalizing reviews. I have a couple of these on my kindle already and can’t wait to dig in. 🙂 And then pick up some more!
Thanks, Diana:) I’m sure you will enjoy them!
Great reviews! They all sound like TBR material to me!
Thanks Mark, they are:)
What great reviews, Denise! My TBR is looming over me 😀
Thanks, Julie:) My TBR list is doing the same thing to me!