by Karen Black
“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
by JAN SIKES
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
by Jan Sikes
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
by C.S. Boyack
“Grinders” is set in 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
by Mae Clair
“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
I am SO honored to have two of my stories here today, Denise! Thank you for your amazing and unwavering support!! Hugs!
I enjoyed both of them, Jan so I have to share! Hope they get more readers. xo
This is perfect. I just finished Satin and Cinders and In Search of McDoogal and am looking for my next great Indie read. I see a few right here!
Thanks, Jacqui:) I’m always looking for my next great indie read, luckily I keep finding some! Happy reading.
You have been busy! I thought that I would have more time to write and read this past month, but alas that wasn’t the case. Working from home is not all that relaxing! 🙂
I’ve been doing a lot of reading, but not writing. I find reading allows me to sleep, after I read of course! I tried to take a break, but couldn’t sleep…lol. I’m reading a couple of popular books next, so review free:)
So excited that you shared your review of Grinders. I’ll share this post everywhere I can.
I had been looking forward to reading it and enjoyed it as much as I thought I would. Thanks for sharing!
Terrific reviews, Denise.
Thanks, John:)
What a wonderful collection of books! Thank you for sharing your insights and critiques, Denise. Your support for writers is unparalleled. ♥
It was a wonderful collection to read, Gwen:) Thank, you, I appreicate that and you! xo
In Search of McDoogal was a fun read! It reminded me of something along the lines of “Mad Mad Mad Mad World”. Great reviews, Denise!
It was, Julie! I can see that comparision to It’s Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, a movie I have watched several times and enjoyed it.
A great selection of books, Denise. I have read half of them so need to read the others.
Thanks, Karen:) I have been enjoying a lot of reading lately! Xo
I wish I had the time to read. I haven’t had the opportunity lately. I love the selections you posted because I love many of the authors, but the only two books on your list I’ve read were Craig’s and Mae’s, and both were excellent. Thanks for the recommendations on the rest.
Reading for me recently has become a necessity. Helps transion my mind to sleep after, although I’ve noticed reading and sales have lagged. Now I’m catching up on some novels and books I’ve picked up over the years which don’t require reviews. Thanks, Staci sending hugs:)
I’ve been working a lot. By the time I’m ready to relax, my eyes need a rest. I’m so glad you’re catching up on your TBR list!
Great reviews, D.L.!! You make all the books so enticing! Congrats on your upcoming release! If you need anything, I’m here!! ❤
Thanks, Marlena:) I have been enjoying some goid reading! I appreciate the offer, I’m looking for hosting end of May if you are interested xo
I would be delighted to!!
I loved In Search of McDoogal as well, Denise. Some great choices here, thanks for the recommendations.
It was a lot of fun, Jacquie:) Thanks, happy reading xo
Nice reviews Denise! So relieved that we have Kindle and can choose books during Shelter at home. I too liked Jonah and A candle in the Darkness. 🙂
Thanks, Balroop:) Yes, its wonderful we have access to read any book we want! Happy reading.
Nice bunch of reviews, DL. Lots of RRBC choices here too. Thanks for sharing your recommendations. 🙂
Thanks, Diana:) Yes, there are some really good RRBC choices, as well! Happy reading.
Wow! How marvelous to discover new releases by authors I admire! I have a vision of late nights reading, especially now as winter approaches. Thanks for sharing these, Denise.😍
Thanks, Soooz:) Those are the best nights to settle in to read! Xo
The forecast is for snow tomorrow! Unheard of here in April! We don’t usually see snow until at least mid-June. Guess I’ll be doing a whole lot more reading! Bliss.😍
A lovely collection of reviews, Denise. I have a few of these books on my TBR.
Thanks, Robbie:) Happy reading!
Hi, Denise! A great group of books and reviews. Thanks for sharing. I’m interested in helping you with your release!😀💕
Thank you, Vashti! Much appreciated. xo I will send you an email.
Oh my goodness. More great reads. I love the cover of Satin and Cinders and suspect I would love the story as well.
Hi Sandra, I know you’d enjoy it!
I left a comment yesterday, but I don’t think it went through OR I was on the wrong post. Heh. Any hoo, I was saying how much I enjoy Mae’s stories and that I’m sure this one is a great one too.
This is a fun one by Mae. I will double check my spam over on comments to make sure it didn’t get sent there:) xo
Mae never writes a bad one! I will try to find the comment, I keep missing stuff.
Great reviews of fabulous book’s, Denise. I have quite a few of them and must read them soon. 🙂
Thanks, Miriam:) You have some good reading ahead!
I surely do, Denise !
Grinders intrigues me, especially the octopus. Heh. This is another read I think I’d really enjoy.
It was a lot of fun and who wouldn’t want a octopus on their porch?
Nice collections of books, Denise. Thank you for your reviews.
Thank you, Peggy! It was some good reading:)
Hi there, I sent you an email 📧
Hi Saania. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I did not see an email, sorry.
A great list of reads by talented writers. The biggest problem is which one to read first! Thanks for sharing, Denise!
it is, Mark:) I know what you mean, I have the same problem when I go to pick my next read on my list.
Here’s to the inner child, Denise. Hugs.
Thanks, Teagan may we never lose that magic!