“My Mechanical Angel” is a YA fantasy with Christian overtones and my favorite, angels. This book was recommended to me, and I’m glad it was. I enjoyed the uniquely written story told through the eyes of eighteen-year-old, Emmaline. She lived in a small rural town where their leader, Reverend Archibald, warned of the evil in the forbidden city, Seraphton. The city intrigued Emmaline and made her feel like an outcast in her community. Then she meets a resident from Seraphton, Aleksander, during a storm one night. The meeting is the start of a change of events for her. I loved the instant connection between Emmaline and Aleksander, which brought about her softer and braver side. Her relationship with her family, especially her grandfather, felt real to me, including their push for something she didn’t want. Her journey, along with a few surprises, held my interest the entire way. This is not only a love story, but how people are capable of change — or not. I will definitely be reading more from this author! Four-Stars
Guns of Perdition (The Armageddon Showdown Book 1)
“Guns of Perdition” is a dark western horror story with a biblical twist. Jessie worked in a salon but was compelled to follow a drifter named Grace. They immediately drew me into their strange world where there were not only cowboys, but bloodsuckers and an evil man Grace called the Darksome Gunman. I enjoyed learning along with Jessie and rooted for him, even though there were times his actions frustrated me. Grace made it hard to know her, but her interactions with Kaga, her wolf brought out her more tender side, but that wasn’t often as her strength pulled them forward. “The Dark Tower” by Stephen King series came to mind when I was reading this with its mixture of horror, settings, and complex characters. The story tugged on my emotions in several places where I wondered how this could happen, which only showed how involved I was in the story. This is a great debut by Ms. Bakkers, and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Five-Stars
Watching Glass Shatter (Perceptions of Glass #1)
“Watching Glass Shatter” is a fictional drama that centers on the wealthy Glass Family. Olivia lost her husband after 40 years of a wonderful marriage. She is surrounded by her five sons after his death when she learns her husband kept a secret from her. This takes her on a journey of learning about herself and her sons. I admit I wasn’t a big fan of Olivia at first. She was very opinionated and self-absorbed. I loved her visits to each of her son’s households. This is where she learned more than expected from her excursion. There was some laugh out loud moments and some that brought tears to my eyes. The characters were well developed and were able to grow as the story went forward. I dreaded the final reveal of the secret but was completely satisfied with how it was handled. If you love a good drama, with a wonderful insight into the family dynamics, you won’t want to miss this book. Five-Stars
by Sandra Cox
“The Sundial” is a fun time-traveling western. Although it started with a ghostly appearance, the story soon veered from modern-day to Texas in a historical setting. This is where it all fell together for me in the 1800s. I loved how strong Sarah was and spoke her mind, even if it got her into trouble. Jesse was a perfect counterbalance with his loyalty and stubbornness. Monet, the cat, joined Sarah on her journey, and he added in some fun along with his protectiveness. The history and slang were nicely mixed into the action. This is a love that not only crosses through time but many lives, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Five-Stars
“Breathless” takes the reader in a new direction showing what happens when the handsome, rich man, William, meets up with the peasant-like female, Selina. Ms. Calleiro provides a refreshing change to the usual storyline. I loved the setting in the 1920s, with the slang weaved in so seamlessly. When Selina decides a bit of magic couldn’t hurt, there is a twist I didn’t see coming. A well-written story that I couldn’t put down. 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!
Watch for a special edition blog this week:)
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Fantastic reviews, Denise! I totally agree about “Breathless.” The classic storyline took a very different twist. “Guns of Perdition” is on my radar! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks, Jan. Yes, “Breathless” really does throw the reader an unexpected twist. I’m sure you’ll enjoy “Guns of Perdition.” Happy reading:) xo
These all sound so good, Denise. Congratulations to all the authors. I already have “Guns of Perdition” waiting for me on my TBR list. We need more than twenty-four-hours in a day. Thanks for sharing these with us today. 😊
I agree, Soooz, we need more time to read for sure! I’m sure you’ll enjoy “Guns of Perdition” but you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Thank you for sharing your reviews, Denise.
Happy to, John 🙂
What a list, Denise! I’ve read several of these authors–excellent.
Thanks Jacqui! Yes, excellent is a good word to describe these authors.
Lovely reviews Denise! I’ve read a few of them, really like Sandra style of writing and James is too good. I must catch up with other authors too. 😊Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks, Balroop. I’m a fan of Sandra’s style of writing and never disappointed in her books. James is new to me and I now want to read more of his work after this. Happy reading 🙂
Thank you both for the kind words. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Balroop! You are my blog post for today too! 🙂
Excellent reviews, Denise. I’ve read both Guns of Perdition and Watching Glass Shatter and gave them both five stars. They were excellent reads. The others you’ve shared here look compelling as well. Congrats to all the authors and thanks for the introduction to a few I was unfamiliar with!
Thanks, Mae! Yes, both great reads that I found from your reviews! So thank you for that:) Happy reading xo
Awesome! Wishing you happy reading as well 🙂
Thank you, Mae. I loved your review. 🙂
Oh boy, oh boy!! Thank you so much for the brilliant review, Denise 🙂
Totally made my morning! AND I’m in stellar company by the sounds of the other blurbs. I especially loved the sound of The Sundial 🙂
Thanks again for showcasing Guns of Perdition, and for bringing my attention to so many more books for my TBR pile 🙂
Thanks, Jessica! I throughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for more. Sundial was a lot of fun. Always fun to add more books to the TBR pile 🙂
It seems I add three for every one I read!
Lol. That sounds about right!
Thank you for such a beautiful review, Denise! I’m so happy you enjoyed Breathless. 😊
I really enjoyed it, Yvette! It was unique twist on a familar story.
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I have Jessica’s book on my TBR.
Thanks, Robbit:) I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Fantastic reviews Denise. I will definitely be reading more from Jay and nice intros to other authors who I haven’t read before too 🙂
Thank you!
Thanks, Marje:) I can wait to dive into Jay’s cozy mysteries. I have a couple on my TBR list. It’s always nice to find new authors to read.
Definitely a different type of story from me! 🙂
Great reviews and some great-looking reads. Thanks for sharing, Denise 🙂
Thanks, Harmony, that were 🙂
Hello,
Thank you very much for this wonderful review. You’ve been very generous and kind. 🙂
Congratulations to all the other authors too. Can’t wait check out their books.
Have a great day. Time to share this post everywhere!
Jay
I’m so glad I saw Mae’s review and read your book. She was right it was a fantastic read. It’s a great way to find great new authors to me, through blog reviews with reviewers I have simlar reading taste. Thanks for sharing much appreicated and thank you for your support too 🙂
Hmm… I think my comment might have been deleted. Sharing a quick one again just in case – Thank you so much. Congrats to all. Sharing this everywhere now. 🙂
Your responses were hiding in my pending file, sorry!
It happens! All the time to me.
Wonderful reviews Denise. Thanks for sharing some excellent titles!
eden
Thanks Eden they were some very good reads:) xo
Thanks, Denise, for the lovely review and inclusion in a stellar lineup.
You are welcome, Sandra. I’ve yet to read of book of yours I wasn’t completely drawn into. xo
Aww. Thank you:)
Excellent reviews, Denise. Congratulations to all the talented authors. I have Watching Glass Shatter on my reader.
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jay!
Thanks, Miriam:) I’m sure you will enjoy “Watching Glass Shattered.”
Yes, I will, Denise. It has been so hot here. I only have a few functioning hours in the morning. I feel sleepy with the heat by the afternoon. Hope to get some reading done.
I feel you Miriam. I’m not a fan of the heat either. I stay inside in the hotter part of the days.
That’s all we can do, Denise!
Excellent reviews, Denise. I’ve read two of these, but that gives me three to choose from. The Sundial “time traveling western” sounds especially interesting to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I’m never diappointed when reading one of Sandra’s books, Diana:) Happy Reading!
Guns of Perdition sounds intriguing….
xo
Guns of Perdition sounds intriguing.
You’ll either get this 3 Xs or not at all:)
Guns of Perdition sounds intriguing.
Lol. I’ll take all of them. Yes, it is an intriguing read, Sandra. Had a bit of everything in it.
Love the Angel cover and the story concept.
Can’t go wrong with angels:)
I’ve been seeing great things for Guns of Perdition. Even though I’m not a fan of horror, it’s tempting me 🙂
I found it through Mae’s review and was tempted:) Glad I was.
Great books and reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing❣️
Thanks, Vashti:) xo
Thanks for sharing these reviews. And I like your policy of not reviewing a book you don’t like rather than trashing it.
Thanks, Cynthia:) It doesn’t seem fair to review a book I only read a couple of chapters, plus, I prefer to focus on the ones I do like. Happy reading!