by Sandra Cox
“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: A Steampunk Novelette
“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
Ronald L. Powell: Missing in Action
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
by Fiza Pathan
“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.
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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
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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
Some great books on this list, Denise. I like how you list all the books you read for a month.
Thanks, Jacqui. I like to share the good ones I read:)
Super stuff, Denise. Thanks.
Thanks, John. A wonderful reading month!
Super Reviews, Denise… ♥♥♥
Thank you, Billy, it was good reading.
Looks like a good reading month. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reviews, Denise 🙂
It definitely was a good reading month, Harmony:) I don’t think I’ve ever done three review blogs in one month before.
Thanks so much for the inclusion. Appreciate ya. Put me down for May.
i appreciate you right back:) Thanks, Sandra!
I love your reviews of these books, Denise. I have read some of them and some are now on my TBR list!
Thanks, Jan:) Happy reading!
Excellent bunch of books, DL. I’ve read a couple of them (Fiza’s and Teagan’s) and have added the others to my reading list. Thanks for the thoughtful reviews and recommendations. 🙂
Thanks, Diana:) It’s been a great period of reading.
Wow! You have been busy, my friend. Thanks for sharing this diverse selection of books!
Yes, its been a good reading period, Soooz:) I do like to share the good ones!
My TBR list is threatening to exact social distancing. Groan. 😁
LOL! I can relate to that. I will never get through my TBR list.
Great reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing them with us. I’ve read a couple…now I need to read the others. 🙂
Thanks, Gwen. All good reading:)
Some interesting books here. I’ve been reading myself but not reviewing lately. Strange come to think of it. Lol.
Thanks, Kevin:) Everything is strange right now, so that makes it not strange I guess?
Ooh, I see a few I’d like to read- wonderful reviews, Denise!
Congrats on your upcoming release!
Thanks, Jacquie Happy reading!
All these books are new to me, I would like to read them. Thanks for sharing wonderful reviews Denise.
Love Lock is a great title. It catches the reader’s interest immediately. It sounds like an intense well-written read. The others look yummy as well.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
I agree, Sandra, that title calls to you:) Thanks, you stay safe and healthy, too! Xo
Nice reviews, Denise. I loved Teagan’s book and have recently read one of Shirley’s. I have this book of Fiza’s but the topic is heavy so I need to be in the right mood to read it.
Teagan’s book was a lot of fun and lifted my mood:) I agree, I have to be in the right mood for certain topics. Happy reading!
Fiona Finch sounds like all kinds of fun and what a purrfect cover.
It really is, Sandra:) I have a feeling you’d enjoy it!
I’m so sorry to hear about Shirley’s brother. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to him.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
You have been busy reading in April, Denise. I enjoyed your reviews.
I did get a lot of reading done for sure. Happy reading!