The cover is the combination of two photographs I took. The background is from a snowy night at my house. I had wanted to use a picture that was just snow against a black background, but my husband pointed out it looked like the bear was walking through the stars, not snow, and I had to agree with that.
The second picture is a bear that was in our garage eating dog food during a heavy rainstorm. The garage door was left open after taking out some garbage, and when I went out to shut it and there he or she was! I ran back into the house and grabbed my camera to take a few shots, while the bear seemed unconcerned. I was able to get several shots and made a video of it and wasn’t very far from the bear. Finally, the bear decided it was done with the photo session and lumbered back into the storm. For a moment, I wondered if I’d be able to pet it; I didn’t, though.
The same evildwel eyes were used from “This Second Chance” and “The Button.” The feather was added to represent the angel presence in the story. I wanted a heart to be there, to represent not only Amber’s love for her sister but the possibility of love in her future. The bear may represent more than just Amber’s love of bears.
BLURB:
Six months after Amber’s sister is brutally murdered, she’s still looking for answers, and now someone is stalking her and no one believes her. Home alone with a powerful snowstorm approaching, Amber is determined to take control of the investigation by hiring a private detective, but her plans are disrupted when she finds herself snowed in with people she may not be able to trust. Meanwhile, Nester the evildwel, whose entire existence has been feeding on fear and pain, is seeking help from the angel who’s protecting Amber. Nester and Amber need answers. Can Amber figure out what’s going on with some subtle help from an angel? Will Nester find what he needs from his enemies? The worlds of good and evil clash, and the outcome will determine not only Amber’s and Nester’s fate but life as they know it.
“A Candle in the Darkness” is a short story that pulls you right in. Valerie was driving home after her husband’s funeral and was caught in a storm. She finds a motel to ride it out, but a tornado comes, and she must find shelter. I felt her fear as she raced to the cellar through the rain and wind. The internal struggle with losing her husband and questioning if there was an afterlife felt very real. The twist at the end was satisfying, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Four-Stars
I was lucky enough to read this story as a series a while back on Ms. Sikes’s blog. I found this short story was even a better read the second time around. Jonah chooses to live on a dangerous island, over going to prison. I love his inner journey as he struggles to survive. This is an exciting read that’s layered with a spiritual meaning that I could relate to in my life. I highly recommend this. Five-Stars
This micro read is set in Lagos, Nigeria. The author provides a very detailed setting so the reader can fully visualize the neighborhood. When a visitor’s car is stolen, a mystery ensues to find the missing vehicle. A quick, entertaining read. Four-Stars
I loved this micro read about a wild stallion who fell in love with a stabled horse, Satin. This is not only a sweet love story but has a strong message never to give up. I felt like I was standing in the forest with the wild horse as he watched his beloved. He had to decide what was important to him and act on it. His bravery to be with her was inspiring, making this the perfect read to uplift your spirits. I highly recommend this! Five-Stars
“Grinders” is setin the future in my favorite city, San Francisco. The waters have risen to change the landscape of the city, but people are still the same in the essential ways. Jimi is a cop who, after a mistake, was put on the grinders squad. They partnered her with the veteran, Lou, who used to patrol his beat on a horse. The grinders squad is the job no one wants, and Jimi is determined to move on by finding a wanted grinder. The relationship between Jimi and Lou felt real to me, but my favorite relationships were with the AIs, especially Cole, the cat. His comments had me laughing. I fell in love with the forest that generated energy and wanted to save it. There was a lot of detail that made this world easy to picture. I loved Jimi’s underwater apartment with an octopus living outside her window on her “porch.” I felt a lot of sympathy for the grinder’s family and situation. All the advertising that surrounded them even through their AIs irritated me as much as current commercials do on TV. This was a fantastic, imaginative story that I loved. I highly recommend it. Five-Stars
“In Search of McDoogal” is a fun short story. Brady helps his girlfriend, Vanessa, by working in her art studio when she’s out of town. He finds out he sold a painting of a beloved cat that he wasn’t supposed to. So, he grabbed his best friend Declan and headed off to get it back. I loved the easy friendship between the two men and Brady’s fear of disappointing his girlfriend. I smiled many times reading and was wholly entertained. It was funny how Brady disliked the painting, as well as others who had seen it, too. This was a quick read with a surprise twist at the end that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. Five-Stars
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
UPDATES:
Watch for upcoming special edition blogs, including my cover release!
I have decided to make the release date for “This Last Chance,” May 26th. It was cutting it too close to get the Kindle out on the 19th. It will just be a belated release for my daughter’s birthday!
Thanks for all who offered to help with the release, much appreicated! If you are interested you can still email me! xo
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
“Montana Shootists” starts off on a modern-day ranch where Marine, Abby, comes home to heal after losing her fiancé. She is immediately drawn to a glowing rock and transported back into the late 1800s. I loved the instant connection between her and Jake. It was fun seeing a strong modern woman navigate the wild west. Ms. Cox created a place I would want to live, down to the sheep ranch. Although Abby was always looking for a way to get back home, the place she was in seemed to suit her. There was plenty of action, a quest to save her dead fiancé, a hired gun with a softer side, a brothel, and a man who wants to control and own everything. Abby’s relationships felt real to me, down to an orphaned wolf pup, who I adored. This was a Western Romance with a time-travel twist and a satisfying ending. I highly recommend. Five-Stars
“The LoveLock” is a story of Dylan and Violet’s love and separation. They met in a hospital as children, but don’t reconnect again until college. The couple decides to get married, but that doesn’t happen for reasons unknown. Next, Violet is living in LA and struggles to survive. I could feel her anguish when she had to decide how to make money to pay her rent. How she self-medicated and numbly went through the motions was realistic. Then the POV switches to Dylan, who comes back for her, only to be stopped. I was rooting for them as obstacle after obstacle got in the way, including themselves. I loved both of their journeys, although some heavy subjects were dealt with along the way. The truth shocked me when it was revealed why they didn’t get married. I was all in with this story and read it in two sittings, although I tried to do it in one. If you love drama, self-reflection, and tragedy in a love story, this is for you. I highly recommend it. Five-Stars
“Fiona Finch and the Pink Valentine” is a uniquely fun read! I read it in one sitting and had a smile on my face when I finished. I loved the duck, Quellie, and her determination to keep a particular letter. Fiona receives a box with that hidden letter that offers some mystery as to what it contains. As the story unfolds, I was charmed by a sweet love story. The use of pink and all the wonderful descriptions really added to the depth. A great uplifting steampunk love story that I highly recommend. Five-Stars
Ms. Harris-Slaughter wrote a very moving tribute to her brother, who was a Marine. He was listed missing in action. This short memoir brought to life the unknown circumstances of his death and fifty-seven others. This was a reminder of the bravery of our soldiers and the pain their families are left to endure. Four-Stars
“My Sweet Lord” is a short story that shows the brutal treatment of the Buddhist citizens in Dil-e-bad. A woman is returning from an errand and is about to offer some money to a Buddhist Priest when the unthinkable happens right in front of her. The descriptions are detailed and very graphic. The woman’s reactions of horror matched that. Ms. Pathan shows what happens when people are unfairly treated, and they’re pushed to do something unbelievable in protest. Then the story goes back to show how this action came about. I won’t say I enjoyed this, but I definitely cared about the story, and it tapped into my emotions. Four-Stars
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
UPDATES:
Next week will be part three of my reviews.
Here is something I’m a part of: Authors Give Back Sale! March 20, 2020 – May 31, 2020. Only at Smashwords! All my children’s books, memoir, and short stories are free! 60 percent off the rest of the catalog. All formats are available, including MOBI for Kindle. Don’t miss out. SMASHWORDS LINK
I have set a release date for “This Last Chance!” Watch for the cover, pre-order, more information this week. Also, I’m looking for some help with the release in May! Email me if you are interested. d.l.finn.author@gmail.com
The Monthly Newsletter goes out on April 20th. Check your email if you are subscribed.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Please give a warm welcome to author, Sandra Cox. She’s sharing her beautiful new cover with us today and a link for the pre-order! I ordered my copy:)
MATEO’S LAW
Blurb:
A modern day, shape-shifting sheriff.
He’s the sheriff of a sparsely populated county in Montana. His blood brother and childhood best friend is Chief of Police on the Blackfoot Reservation, but they no longer speak. His deputy is a southern transplant with the body of a high-priced call girl, a voice of honey and a mouth of a trucker. And if that’s not enough, he’s got a secret that would stun those that know him best. Other than that, it’s business as usual for Sheriff Mateo Grey.
I’m pleased to welcome John Fioravanti here today on his “Reflections” Blog Tour! It’s a wonderful book I recently enjoyed:)
GIVEAWAYS: The author is giving away (3) $5 Amazon Gift Cards during this tour! For your chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment below as well as leaving a comment on the author’s 4WillsPub tour page. GOOD LUCK!
Good day to you! I extend my appreciation to my host who generously agreed to have me as a guest, and to the good folks at 4 Wills Publishing who organized this tour.
Why Are Inspirational Quotes Appealing?
I enjoy a well-crafted inspirational quote, but this is not true for everyone. Such quotes, designed to inspire people to act, leave many people unmoved. This fact begs the question, why? As the author of a book that reflects on the meaning of a collection of fifty inspirational quotes, I will offer some thoughts as to why some people look to motivational quotes for inspiration in their lives.
Journalist, Hannah Brooks Olsen, in her article “Mantras Matter: Why We Love Inspirational Quotes So Much” contends that quotes offer us a new way of looking at an idea and to consider it in the light of our own ideas and beliefs. They can also stimulate new ideas, reinforce ideas we already have, and they are a lot like having a conversation with a friend.
Olsen suggests that many people are motivated to fit into certain categories or types of people. Quotes can affirm what we know or think we know about ourselves. Therefore, these pearls of wisdom can be personally satisfying as an identifier of social status or personal preference. It seems that quotes can reassure us about our own self-concept or ignite us into action to become what we desire.
While quotes might inspire us immediately, their impact does not last over the long haul. Some would argue that we would benefit more by reminding ourselves daily to do today what I can repeat tomorrow and thus build habits of living that will help us achieve long-term success. The value of quotes may not last long, but they can provide an important boost to get us moving in the right direction again.
Interestingly, I found an article by Gwen Moran, “The Science Behind Why Inspirational Quotes Motivate Us” that tackles the question from a scientific perspective. She claims that the appeal appears to lie in a combination of good wordsmithing, motivational psychology, and a measure of self-selection or how we see ourselves as belonging to a particular group or category of people.
Moran asserts that if someone else believes I can achieve something, it can be a powerful motivator. For example, a teacher, a coach, or a mentor can often move us to act in the face of a difficult challenge. Often a quote will contain some implied coaching that will appeal to us.
Powerful language can inspire us because we are drawn to well-expressed wisdom. Some quotes utilize internal rhyming that will draw us in and create strong appeal. A metaphor can make a simple idea appealing because implied comparisons make the subject clearer or simpler. We often see sports metaphors used in simple quotes.
As well, we look up to role models in our lives and look to leaders in many different fields for guidance. Because these people are successful, we look to them for wisdom even if the quote has nothing to do with their particular field of endeavour.
When I choose a quote as the subject for a reflection, it is the idea that it expresses that attracts me. I have found hundreds of quotes that I liked but found unsuitable for the purpose of a reflection. I don’t look for a quote to motivate me to act; rather, I look for words that will stop me in my tracks and spur me to look beneath the surface. I seek to better understand the meaning of life and how best to live it – how to become a better version of myself. I hope that my reflections will cause my readers to stop in their tracks too.
As I read these collections of reflections, I noticed that I have read and been inspired by some of them at other forums. These are words to live by, words that inspire. Most of those behind these sayings did not start life as winners but through their setbacks and experiences gained from scaling these setbacks, they were propelled into thinking only of how to actualize their dreams. Their positive thinking about life made them winners.
All of these inspirations, from Helen Keller, Steve Jobs, Mary Kay Ash, Maya Angelou, to Nonnie Jules, just to mention a few of them, left us a rich legacy of words to live by, words that will propel our lives toward good if only we can internalize and apply them to the way we live and think.
All these thoughts left me thinking of my own life and how some of the sayings are a reflection of my own life, I am a positive thinker and I found all of the sayings true lessons for life. Those are words that would help one who is on the path of perdition right back on the right path. True redemptive gems! I see this as a handbook for those souls who need to be constantly reminded of what life is. It is very beautifully written. I recommend it!
– by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
AUTHOR BIO:
John Fioravanti is a retired secondary school educator who completed his thirty-five-year career in the classroom in June 2008. Throughout his career, John focused on developing research, analysis, and essay writing skills in his History classroom. This led to the publication of his first non-fiction work for student use, Getting It Right in History Class. A Personal Journey to the Heart of Teaching is his second non-fiction work; it attempts to crystallize the struggles, accomplishments, and setbacks experienced in more than three decades of effort to achieve excellence in his chosen field.
John’s first work of fiction is Passion & Struggle, Book One of The Genesis Saga, and is set within Kenneth Tam’s Equations universe (Iceberg Publishing). He claims that, after two non-fiction books, he’s having the time of his life bringing new stories and characters to life! Book Two is Treachery & Triumph.
At present, John lives in Waterloo, Ontario with Anne, his bride of forty-six years. They have three children and three grandchildren. In December of 2013, John and Anne founded Fiora Books for the express purpose of publishing John’s books.
I’m pleased to welcome Jan Sikes here today on her Jonah Blog Tour. This was a fantastic story and my review will be posted here this month:)
GIVEAWAYS: The author is giving away (3) $5 Amazon Gift Cards during this tour! For your chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment below as well as leaving a comment on the author’s 4WillsPub tour page. GOOD LUCK!
Welcome to day two of the blog tour to promote my new release, JONAH!
Writing fantasy was a completely different genre for me. I honestly think that is one of the reasons I enjoy writing short stories so much. It gives me the opportunity to try many different styles of writing in varied genres. Jonah is told in first-person POV.
In writing fantasy, almost anything can go. However, it still must be believable on some level. In creating the mythical creatures in Jonah’s story, I searched the internet to get some visuals, then went from there.
The animals I created are half-animal and half-mythical, have red glowing fangs, and claws like that of an Eagle. Yet, I pictured them to have a warthog like body, short, stout and able to easily navigate through tangled underbrush.
They are a real threat to Jonah. Here’s a short excerpt from the story that shows Jonah’s first encounter with these dangerous animals.
Sure, they’d given him the dagger and a few supplies. Everything else, he had to get on his own. And, it didn’t help that the island was covered with thick tangled nettles that stung the skin when touched, flowers filled with deadly venom and blackbirds that swooped down without warning and pecked at his head. But the creatures were the worst of all. He’d never forget the first time they showed themselves. Fangs that glowed red when they growled and claws like that of Eagles had sent him clamoring through the brush despite the stinging nettles and prickly thorns. Their claws allowed them to easily trample through and he was left with no option but to run. It wasn’t until exhausted and unable to run anymore, he finally turned and drew his dagger. He prepared to die. But instead, they backed down.
Jonah had no idea whether it was the glint of the sun off the metal blade, the scream that burst from his chest, or the aggressive running toward the animals, but the combination worked and they would slink back into the underbrush each time.
BOOK BLURB:
Fantasy meets reality when a young man is forced to choose his punishment for crimes committed. Jonah must decide between imprisonment in a concrete box beneath the earth or be exiled to a deserted, barren island. He chooses the island, but nothing can prepare him for the deadly creatures, and poisonous plants at every turn. Then there’s the maddening isolation that drives him to the brink of insanity. There is only one way off this island and it’s more difficult than anything he’s ever imagined. It’s much easier to face mortal danger than the demons within. Will Jonah find redemption, or another unexpected offer?
AUTHOR BIO:
Jan Sikes openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. You simply can’t make this stuff up. It all happened. She chose to create fictitious characters to tell the story through, and they bring the intricately woven tale to life in an entertaining way.
She released a series of music CDs to accompany the four biographical fiction books and then published a book of poetry and art to bring the story full circle.
And now that the story is told, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published many short stories with a series of novels waiting in the wings. She is a member of Authors Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB (RRBC), the RAVE WRITER’S INT’L SOCIETY OF AUTHOR (RWISA), sits on the RWISA Executive Council and hosts a monthly RAVE WAVES blog talk radio show, ASPIRE TO INSPIRE.
I was completely pulled into the life of Maeve as she rode her bicycle through town. I loved her quirky personality, love of books, and Halloween. Then there was the one trip that changed everything. It felt authentic as it unfolded down to my concern for all of them involved, including the animal. Relationships that developed were a surprise and endearing. The survivability of one part was the only thing I questioned, but the change after that showed the tradeoff you have in life for the choices you make. I enjoyed this short story and will definitely be reading more by Ms. Brennan. Four-Stars.
A quick read about a man, Jacob, returning home after his father dies. Jacob reconnects with his sister and mother while wondering if his older brother Kevin will come home after thirty-seven years. As Jacob explores what he wants out of life now, he follows the trail of why his brother left home. I liked Jacob and felt I got to know him in this short story. The picture was painted nicely for what type of man his father was and what role his mother played in that. I felt the ending gave the reader the answers Jacob was seeking. I enjoyed this story. Four-Stars.
The Reckoning Squad starts with a young caring girl, Chastity/Chaz, who is forced to act during a horrific event. The story follows her into adulthood as she becomes part of a Black-op group. The story’s pace is fast and exciting as Chaz is trained and then works with her group on special operations. Her dedication to duty and relationships with her fellow Black-ops are what drives her. When they are attacked, Chaz’s determination to survive and figure out what happened is not only page-turning but inspiring. Ms. Burke knows how to write a thrilling story, but also make you care about the characters, too. There were twists that I didn’t see coming and character developments that I had me invested. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love a good psychological thriller. Five-Stars.
“No Pedigree” is a short story able to convey so much in a few words. It tackled difficult subjects, including racism and poverty. Baylee was thrust into an elite high school where her mixed-race left her shunned and cruelly treated in a world of designer clothes and attitudes. Her mother worked hard to make ends meet, giving her daughter a good example of how not to give up. Baylee’s strength was the center of this story, especially when she suffered through a horrendous attack. Karma came to mind as it all played out to a satisfying ending. This was a well-written short read that I highly recommend. Five-Stars.
“Son of My Father” is about the multimillionaire Barrington family and had the feel of the TV show, “Dynasty.” Christiana Barrington is recently divorced. She has a young daughter and a very controlling father, Jonathan. She is the heir apparent to his company, and they work side by side. Their relationship is mostly one-sided or his way. Jonathan is protective of his family, but also ignores the questions his daughter asks. I liked the relationship between Christiana and her daughter, along with the co-parenting with her ex and his feelings for her. Christiana showed some strength with her business dealings and was trusting her gut when she needed to. I appreciated that side of her, but how she let her father run her life made me think if I were her, I’d toss the money and run. I got a bit confused with the many POVs, who was talking and when, but that didn’t take away from the story of this family. The ending was a surprise, even if I guessed part of it, I was very satisfied with the conclusion. If you love drama, reading about a powerful family, and some interesting twists, you will enjoy this book. Four-Stars.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
My Easter Tree:)
UPDATES:
There will be two other parts to my April Book Reviews. I did a lot of reading in March!
Watch for special edition blogs.
There will be no post next Sunday for Easter. To those who celebrate it, Happy Easter:)
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book and stay safe! D. L. Finn
