by Jan Sikes
“Brother’s Keeper” is a short story centered on two brothers. Quentin is the older brother whose job it has been to watch over his younger brother, Rowdy. An event when they were children cemented that caretaking into adulthood. The mother created this situation and still pushed it. I detested her, which shows how well the author writes characters. My sympathy was for Quentin, whose loyalty was misplaced. It saddened and frustrated me what happened to Quentin, but it suited his personality. A well-written quick read. Five-Stars.
by Jan Sikes
“Brazos Wind” is a western short story set in Texas in the 1880s. Jack McClean comes across the widow Savannah as her house burns and then takes it upon himself to help her. I immediately fell in love with Jack’s character. He was strong, kind, and had some mystery mixed in. Savannah’s sad state was understandable after she shared her story. The friendship that developed between Savannah and Jack felt very real. This is a fantastic read, and I would love to see a book come from it. There is so much more I want to know about both characters. I highly recommend it! Five-Stars!
“The Agent of Death” is a short story that focuses on several deaths in one family. It starts with a dream and goes into how unexpected deaths are dealt with in the spirit realm. The uniquely told story explores how to break the curse believed to be placed on the family. A lot was going on, making it hard to keep up, but it was also insightful and surprising. This was an interesting read for me. Four-Stars.
by Donna Owens
“Eternal Darkness” is Ms. Owen’s debut poetry collection. Her words are dark and disturbing. The untitled poems deal with subjects including abuse, suicide, and murder. The reader gets the perspective of both sides, killer/abuser, and victim. The poetry is emotional-based and in the genre of horror with a good dose of painful reality. This is meant for mature readers—a read for horror fans and those who like to delve into the darkness.
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!
UPDATE:
Next week I will be debuting the cover to my new paranormal short story, “I Wouldn’t Be Surprised!” I’ll be sharing the real-life event behind this story. I hope to release it on my birthday–it will depend on how next week goes. No, it didn’t make the contest deadline, but I was still determined to release it.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Thank you, Denise.
Happy to share the good ones, John:)
Good collection. I didn’t know you liked Westerns? Very cool.
Thanks, Jacqui. I used to be a huge fan of romantic westerns years ago and other historical settings. Sandra reintroduced me back to them with her special flare:)
There ya go putting a smile on my face:)
You’re a wonderful reader, Denise, and I share your philosophy about leaving reviews. There’s no point in me leaving a bad review for an author, especially for indies.
When I find a great book, it’s always a pleasure to sing its praises.
🙂
eden
Thank you, Eden 🙂 Indies have so much going against them, I don’t want to add to it. I focus on the good ones and hope more get to read their great books! Sending hugs xo
Good collection of short stories, Denise. Good to hear you’ll share your new release next week. Happy early birthday to you!
Thanks for the early wishes. Miriam:) It was a good collection of short stories.
Denise, I was going to take part in this year’s short story contest but I got tons of emails and pretty soon I couldn’t even remember seeing it. It was one month after the registration before I remember. Haha, I’ll do my own someday.
I’ve done that with emails too, Miriam. This year I couldn’t get the story right so I waited and it finally came together, although after the deadline. Yes, you should do it!
I even have one email address for WordPress and another one for more personal contacts, but the contacts build up fast!
Yes, Denise. My next book will be a children’s book first, one of the many stories I had written 15 years ago when I was working in a school district. I can do other writing projects simultaneously also!
What a wonderful collection of short stories! Thank you, Denise, for sharing. ♥
Thanks Gwen. I’ve really become a fan of short stories.
An eclectic collection as always! I have both Jan’s short stories waiting for me on my Kindle, and these reviews have moved them up on the list. Thanks for sharing all of these, Denise. I look forward to seeing your latest book cover for “I wouldn’t be surprised” (Love the title) and I’m a fan of paranormal works.
I’m sure you will enjoy them both, Soooz:) Yes my reading list has a lot of variety for sure. A always enjoy a good paranormal story and lately that’s all my muse has been providing! I had some fun with the cover and story.
A nice selection of short reads, Denise. Brazos Wind sound like one I might pick up. I like westerns and your review is a great push. Happy Reading!
Thanks, Diana:) I recently found my way back to westerns, so its nice to find short western stories. Yes, happy reading!
Lovely reviews, Denise. Jan has been writing up a storm lately.
She has, Robbie and I’ve enjoyed all her work:)
I’ve read both of Jan’s short stories and enjoyed them immensely. Nice reviews!
Thanks, Joan. They were good stories:)
Anything written by Jan Sikes is put on my TBR list. I really enjoy her writing style! The Agent of Death and Eternal Darkness have also caught my interest. I look forward to your cover reveal!
Same here, Mark. I’ve never been disappointed by anything Jan’s written:) Happy reading.
Thanks for sharing lovely reviews Denise, they inspire to read like you. 🙂
Thanks, Balroop. Happy reading:)
Great selection Denise..
Thanks, Sally 🙂
I’ve recently read both of Jan’s short stories and found them both enjoyable.
Congratulations to all of the authors featured here, and I look forward to hearing more about your upcoming release, Denise!
Yes, both good ones, Mae:) I couldn’t resist making a story out of a strange event that happened to me and my husbsnd.
Oooh! I’m intrigued!
Brother’s Keeper sounds great. Congrats on your upcoming release, Denise!
Thanks, Jacquie:) Yes, it was a good read.
Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts on “Brazos Wind” and “Brother’s Keeper!” I appreciate you!
Good reads, as always, Jan:) Thank you, you are appreciated too!
More great reads/reviews. My Brother’s Keeper sounds emotionally intense.
Woo Hoo on the new short. Can’t wait. Let me know if you want a shout out.
Hugs
Thanks, Sandra:) Yes, it was an intense story! Oh, yay, thanks and hugs right back.
Congrats to Jan on Brazos Wind. Love the title and the storyline sounds great.
Denise, Hope your day is stress free and productive.
xoxo
AGENT OF DEATH does sound interesting.
Have a grand weekend.
xoxo
Thanks, Sandra. You as well xo