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.
by Beem Weeks
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: A Really Short Story
by Nonnie Jules
“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-A Family Dynasty
“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
Good Authors = Good Reading!!!
Well said, Billy:)
Beautiful post and reviews DL! Adding these books to my TBR!
Thanks, Forrest:) Happy reading!
Wonderful post, Denise. I’ve read two of the five, and now I will focus on the other three. Great list!
Thanks, Gwen:) I’m sure you will enjoy your reading.
Excellent reviews, Denise. Thank you
Thank you, John. It was a busy reading month.
I would say.
What a great group of reviews, Denise!
Thanks, Jacqui:) I’ve been reading a lot lately!
Thanks for sharing these lovely reviews, Denise. It is great that you are finding more time to read and using this time at home effectively. All I seem to do is uplift anxious people at the moment. It is quite tiring.
It’s great you uplift others, but you have to take care of yourself, too. Reading is one of my happy places.
I have read all of these books, except “The Reckoning Squad,” and I”m halfway through it. Talk about a page-turner! I totally agree with your reviews. All GREAT reads!
Yes, all great reads, Jan:) Yes, Soooz certainly knows how to write page-turners!
Great reviews, DL!! I’m glad you’ve been able to enjoy some reading time!! I look forward to your next reviews. ❤
Thanks, Marlena:) Sometimes there’s nothing better than reading a good book.
Thanks so much, Denise! I’m delighted you enjoyed “The Reckoning Squad”. I have added the others to my ever growing TBR,
I enjoyed your story, Soooz:) You have some good reading ahead!
Thank you so much for your wonderful support, Denise. I am truly grateful to you.
I always enjoy your stories:) Happy to promote them.
Nice reviews Denise.The Reckoning Squad is on my wish list, I love the writing style of Soooz.
I’m never disappointed when I read anything written by Soooz:)
My sentiments Denise! 🙂
Great reviews. Thanks for sharing. Love that Easter tree:)
Elbow bumps.
Thanks, Sandra:) Elbow bumps bsck!
Great reviews, Denise! Lots of fabulous books and authors here. Congrats to them! Thanks for sharing! Stay safe❣️
Thanks, Vashti. I’ve been staying safe reading lots of books. You stay safe, too 🙂 xo
Love the title Stardust and the cover.
YOU stay safe. Stay healthy.
Elbow bump sent with a whole of caring:)
That title drew me to read it:) Elbow bumps back with a ton of caring, too.
Some excellent reads here, DL. I’ve read Beem’s story and enjoyed it. I’m certain to get to the rest soon. Thanks for sharing your reviews. 🙂
Thanks, Diana:) You have some good reading ahead!
Thanks for the recommendations, Denise. I see a few new-to-me authors, always fun!
Your Easter tree is so cute!
Thank you we had fun foing an Easter tree:) Happy reading.
The Thing About Kevin sounds like an interesting read. Congrats to Beem…And, of course, all the other great authors reviewed.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
xoxoxo
Thank you, Sandra. Happy reading! Sending hugs xo
Ooh, Reckoning Squad, with Black Ops, sounds intriguing.
YOU stay safe. Stay healthy.
Great reviews on books I otherwise wouldn’t known about. Good Job!
Thanks, Pamela:) I always pick up some great reads from author reviews.