July Book Reviews Part 1 @teagangeneviene @MarciaMeara @fredsdiary1981 @hmkindt @WendyJayneScott

Tiger House (The Chronicles of Jairus Tanner #1)

by Wendy Scott

“Tiger House” is a fantasy set in a world after the emperor dies. Takagi is the daughter who has now lost position and power after losing her father. She sets into motion a plan to get her power back. I kept looking for something to sympathize with her, but I didn’t find that only a perfect villain. Jairus is a farm boy who is kidnapped from his world to take part in the games that will determine who is the leader in this cruel society. Everything is stripped away from him, and they force him to fight. When the game ends, he survives at Takagi’s pleasure. It is here I see him grow, while Takagi continues her ruthless push forward. Although there were a couple of things I would have liked better explained, I found the world beautifully described and the characters full of depth. The story was fast-paced, and many twists kept me on the edge of my seat. This was an action-filled dark fantasy read that ended one chapter and opened another. I look forward to reading what happens to Jairus next. Four-Stars.

The Green Door (The Eternal Artifacts #1)

by Heather Kindt

“The Green Door” is a YA fantasy that focuses on the lives of two teens in their last year of high school. Meg works at a record store to make ends meet at home, while her best friend, Brek, is preparing for college. They find a flyer about a game, and the two teens try it. The first step is to choose a door that is based on the money awarded if they complete the task. The action starts the moment they open the door. I enjoyed what was behind the entrance and the unknown world’s storyline that included magic. I liked the friendship between Meg and Brek and how protective they were of each other. Then enters someone from their school, and it sets up a romantic triangle. There are a couple of adult scenes in this story; otherwise, this would be an enjoyable read for younger readers too. The story is a quest with some moral decisions. The book ends at a place where some questions were answered, but others were left unanswered for the next book — which I will be reading. Four-Stars.

Summer of ’77: Beaches, bars and boogie nights in Ibiza

by Robert Fear

“Summer of ‘77” is a slice into Mr. Fear’s life when he was 21 years old. After taking a vacation to Ibiza, Spain, Fred, his nickname, went back the next year to stay six months. He walked away from his job and girlfriend and found a place to live and work. I loved being back in the 70s, it was such a different time.  I could imagine being on the island and walking through the streets with Fred. There was hard work involved, but also a lot of partying and enjoying female company. This is a journey of a young man who was determined to explore more than his corner of the world. I not only loved seeing this through his eyes but being able to read the letters he received from back home. I felt that gave a balanced perspective. This was a page-turning read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Five-Stars.

Wake-Robin Ridge

by Marcia Meara

“Wake-Robin Ridge” is centered on a house in the Blue Ridge mountains. The story was told through two different timelines almost fifty years apart. The storyline set in the 60s pulled me right in as it focused on an abused wife, Ruthie. Her emotions felt very real in the situation she found herself in. She was the strongest character for me and her husband, a true villain. Sarah was in the second timeline in the 2010s, who moved to the Blue Ridge mountains to write a book. She immediately met her neighbor, Mac. They sparked a friendship, and she learned about him slowly. That storyline was more thoughtful. I loved the setting and could easily imagine creating a book at Sarah’s cabin, then taking a break and walking to the creek. This was an entertaining read with some paranormal mixed in that I appreciated.  I will be reading more of this series. Four-Stars

Brother Love – a Crossroad

by Teagan Geneviene

I read “Brother Love” over several weeks on Ms. Geneviene’s blog and enjoyed it. I was happy to see it released and read it as a book. I appreciated it just as much the second time around. My favorite character was the magpie, Jinx, and his insights. Although Birdie, the town outcast, is a second close, because of what others perceived her mother to have done and where she lives near. The humor and setting drew me into the story that was set in the south in the 50s. I could see myself at the town revival as people went forward to get healed. I loved the magic woven into a story that otherwise felt very real. I recommend this novella for all fantasy readers who appreciate a unique tale as I do. 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!

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book and embracing each soul you meet! D. L. Finn

62 thoughts on “July Book Reviews Part 1 @teagangeneviene @MarciaMeara @fredsdiary1981 @hmkindt @WendyJayneScott”

  1. Excellent reviews, Denise! I have “The Green Door” on my TBR list and will be reading it soon. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

    Reply

  7. Wow, you’ve been busy reading! I can’t even remember the last time I read for pleasure; something I hope to rectify soon. Great reviews of new-to-me authors and existing favorites. The only book I’ve read that you reviewed here was Marcia’s (which I loved), and I saw excerpts of Teagan’s (which I also loved) on her site. Hats off to all the authors; wishing them all the best.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Staci 🙂 I have been reading a lot! Although it cuts into my sleep, its become a necessity for me. I can’t wait to read the rest of Marcia’s series. Teagan’s books are always a fun read. I hope you get some fun reading in this summer.

      Reply

      1. Marcia and Teagan are always entertaining. Can’t go wrong with either. And it sounds like you found a lot of other good choices as well!

  8. An excellent collection of books and reviews, Denise. I read and loved Wake Robin Ridge (actually the whole series, LOL). I also just finished a different title of Teagan’s. Her work is always so imaginative. Congratulations to all of the authors you’ve featured here. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Mae:) I’m always happy to spread the word on the good books I read. I plan to finish the Wake Robin Series this summer, can’t wait. Teagan’s stories are always fun and entertaining, I’m never disappointed. I’m deteremined to make a small dent in my reading list!

      Reply

  10. Thanks so much for including my first book, Wake-Robin Ridge, with all these great authors and books! I’m very happy that you enjoyed the story, and hope you’ll have fun with the rest of the series (and meeting Rabbit) when you have time to check them out. (Oh, what wouldn’t we give for way more reading time??) Making note of all these authors and titles, too. (Because, of course, one can never have too many books on the ol’ TBR pile!) 😀

    Thanks again. You made my morning! 😀

    Reply

    1. I plan on finishing the Wake-Robin series this summer, I’ve been very eager to meet Rabbit! I’d love more reading time but sleep always wins:) No, the TBR list can never be too big, I agree. Thanks, Marcia.

      Reply

  12. Denise, I am thrilled that you enjoyed Brother Love. It really does mean the world to me when someone enjoys my stories. I appreciate your support during the serial version too. And wow, am I in great company here today! Hugs on magpie wings!

    Reply

    1. I’m a fan of Jinx:) I always enjoy your weekly series, including this one, and live the chance to read it in a book format. So glad you publish them. A great month of reading. Sending Magpie wings hugs back!

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Miriam:) I never have enough time to read all the books I want to be I get to them eventually.

      Reply

  15. Thoughtful reviews. I can vouch for Marcia’s Wake-Robin Ridge series – i really liked the first book, and then I met Rabbit in the second one. No going back from that point!

    Reply

    1. Thank you:) I’ve heard a lot about Rabbit and I’m looking forward to the meeting in book 2!

      Reply

    1. Tiger House was a good one. I think you’ll enjoy the Summer of ’77, it was an interesting perspective and a lot of fun going back to the 70s too. I kept trying to imagine how I trip like that would have gone for me…:)

      Reply

  17. Great reviews, Denise, and great attitude towards reading as well. So many books to read! I also read Teagan’s story on her blog and enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for all your recommendations.

    Reply

    1. Thank you 🙂 Yes, so many great books out there to read, I wish I didn’t need to sleep. Teagan’s blog and stories are always so much fun and creative, I am never disappointed! I’m glad you dropped by.

      Reply

    1. I’m sure you will enjoy it, Joy. Thank you, I hope are are staying well too.

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Sandra 🙂 Yes, isnt the cover gorgeous? It caught my eye, especially since I was born in the year of the tiger.

      Reply

  21. Thank you for these reviews. The books all sound fab!
    I am especially a fan of Teagan Geneviene. I did read the last half of Brother Love on her blog. That is when I originally met her and her work.
    I’ll see you on the Delta Pearl on Saturday!

    Reply

    1. Hi Resa! I’m a fan too 🙂 I’m happy you dropped by. Yes, I will see you over on the Delta Pearl. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Christoph! I’m a fan of Teagan too. Never disappointed when I read her work. I’m happy you stopped by, welcome 🙂 It is fun to check out the company, all good I’ve found.

      Reply

    1. It is an interesting take, Sandra. Green doors are so welcoming, the color from the heart.

      Reply

    1. 77 was so different, Sandra bellbottoms and all! Yes, I think we all had that dream to just go explore:)

      Reply

Leave a Reply to D.L Finn, AuthorCancel reply

Discover more from Author D.L. Finn

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading