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
