I bought “The Cheetah and the Dog” for my granddaughter’s birthday. She loves books, and I knew the subject of a dog and cheetah, and the colorful pictures would appeal to her. I read it after it arrived and loved the flow of the rhyming words. A sweet tale that’s based on a real dog’s relationship with a cheetah with a lesson in friendship, no matter what your differences are. Then, after the story, there are facts and photos of cheetahs, which is a wonderful bonus. I can’t wait to share it with my four-year-old grandchild. I’ll be buying more of Ms. Furstenberg’s children’s books as gifts. Five-Stars!
“Liars and Thieves” is a fantasy with Elves, Goblins, and Changelings living in an uneasy truce with crystals as their energy. The theme of greed and need felt current to me, and the world was brilliantly written in beautifully described images. My favorite character is Talin, who is a spy with a heart, and Alue is a close second as an Elf who has more sense of justice and temper than most. I enjoy the interactions between them in any form. Naj, the half-Elf and half-Goblin, approaches things more logically but is a solid leading character with a charming relationship with the Goblin he loves. I like what binds the three together. Then, there’s a lack of trust and blame between the three groups that felt very real to me as well as some misplaced loyalties. The unexplained disappearances and earthquakes threw in some chaos. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens. If you love fantasies, you will want to read this. Five-Stars!
James dies and ends up with a girl he hasn’t seen since they were children. This is only the beginning of his journey. I loved the places they traveled together, and the history weaved into them. Each stop had a different story they had to maneuver through without making any changes that could affect the future. I appreciated the relationship between James and Sam how they fell back into the connection they had as children that worked now that they were adults. Then having to deal with Lucifer, who interfered with their travels, was both amusing and a bit chilling to me. Their time travels were not only action-packed with lessons weaved in, but each place they visited was an engaging tale within the main story. The attention to detail and research was well done. Many parts had me laughing and a couple that left me teary-eyed. The ending surprised me, but I was satisfied with its conclusion. This is a story I won’t soon forget, and I highly recommend it! Five-Stars!
HMS Lanternfish (The Lanternfish #2)
by C.S. Boyack
I loved the first book of this series, Lanternfish, so I was excited for the seafaring journey to continue. I was not disappointed with all my favorite characters back, including the root monsters. Those little guys always bring a smile to my face, even when they are up to no good. James Bloodworth is pulled out of retirement into a war that could ultimately affect his peaceful life. He calls for a return of the old gang, which was satisfying to have them back together, along with some new characters. It was nice to see Serang in her element, along with the rest of the crew. Back at sea, they do what they do the best — forage for what they need. Captain Bloodworth is an excellent leader of his pirates turned soldiers; he not only is trying to undo what his father did, but helps in ways I didn’t expect. Each stop along this voyage offers new friends and a lot of enemies, which kept me reading late into the night. All the small details and created images are weaved into this story so vividly that it brings this world of sea creatures and assassins to life. I can’t wait to see where the third book goes. I highly recommend this if you love a well-told tale. 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!
NOTE: I’ll be hosting two fabulous authors this week. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
What a fun selection, Denise! Thank you for sharing and for supporting authors. You inspire me! ❤
It really was, Gwen. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such talented indie authors, including you. Thank you xo
Thank you so much for your review of Eternal Road, Denise. Your review made me feel terrific and the best part was you liked the story. 😁
I’m glad, John:) It’s your best so far
Thanks for including me with these stellar authors. So glad you enjoyed the story.
I really did enjoy continuing the voyage! Looking forward to more:)
Always great to read your reviews Denise, thank you. Have a great week, eden
Thank you, Eden, that’s good to hear:) Have a fantastic week too!
It’s always fun to see what you’re reading. Thanks!
Hi Lynda:) I’ve been having fun reading, and can’t wait to read your new memior xo
Great reviews of some stellar books, Denise! I loved Liars and Thieves, got a kick out of Eternal Road, and have Lanternfish waiting on my kindle. As I don’t have kiddies, I haven’t read The Cheetah and the Dog, but boy it sounds cute! 🤗
Thank you, Jessica:) Yes, all great reads and I think you’ll enjoy the sea and the root monsters. I love finding books to give as gifts, especially to kids. It was charming. Have a great week!
You too 🤗❤️
Fantastic books by great authors, Denise.
Thanks, Robbie, I certainly agree.
I’m not at a point in my life where I find a need to read children’s books, but I already own all three of the others. So far, I’ve only read (and loved) Craig’s. But I’m looking forward to the other two very much. Great reviews. Congratulations and best wishes to all authors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Denise.
You have some great reading ahead, Staci:) I think even when I don’t have kids to buys books for I will still read kids books here and therenot only to support the authors but uplift my spirit. Thanks, Staci xo
A great selection of books and reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Harmony, it was a great selection:)
Great reviews, Denise. I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of these.
Thanks, Joan, happy reading:)
A great assortment, Denise. I read Liars and Thieves and immediately read the 2nd in the series, Allies and Spies, and loved them both. Excellent fantasy tales with three very unusual leading characters, as you say, and I agree completely with your take! I laughed at all the surprises and fun while reading Eternal Road, too, and the Lanternfish books are on my Kindle. Having just finished (and enjoyed) Craig’s book “Viral Blues,” I know it won’t be long before I get to them, too. Great post! Sharing! 🙂
I’m excited Allies and Spies is already out and can’t wait to read it. John has a gift with his humor in writing. I enjoyed Virual Blues too:) I think you will enjoy your sea adventure and meeting the root monsters. Thanks Marcia!
Excellent reviews as always, Denise. I’ve read Eternal Road and HMS Lanternish and loved them both. Liars and Thieves is on my Kindle and getting closer to the top of my TBR. The Cheetah and the Dog looks delightful for young readers.
What a great collection of books!
I have a feeling you will enjoy Liars and Thieves, Mae. I’m always on the lookout for good children’s books. It was another good reading month. Happy reading xo
This is an extraordinary collection, Denise. I was gobsmacked just now to see the second book in Diana’s new series already out. I wish I could read fast! 😀 Thanks for these reviews. Those five star reviews are so important to authors. Hugs on the wing.
Thanks, Teagan:) I was thrilled to see Allies and Spies out so close to the first release. Yes, I wish I could read faster too. I completely agree reviews help authors get more reads and much needed notice. Hugs right back to you xo
Nice collection Denise. I have read only one of them so far…’Liars and Thieves’ and really liked it.
Thanks, Balroop it was a good reading month:) I can’t wait to read Allies and Spies next.
Great reviews, Denise! I have read all of these except Diana’s newest and it’s waiting for me on my Kindle. 🙂 Great books!
Thanks, Jan. I’m sure you will enjoy Diana’s series. Happy reading.
Excellent selection for reading this month, Denise. The reviews are fabulous. I reviewed Liars and Thieves and loved the book. I have Eternal Road on my Kindle. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent section and Fabulous reviews, Denise. 🙂
Thank you, Miriam. They were all great reads.
I could tell from your reviews, Denise.
Reading for all tastes. Thanks for sharing.
xo
It definitely is, Sandra:) sending hugs. xo
Your awesome reviews makes me want to dive right into these books!
Thanks, Jacquie:) You can’t go wrong in this group!
Great selection, Denise. I had no idea that Pat wrote children’s books. I really enjoyed Silent Heroes and this sounds like another well done venture into another genre, well done, Pat. I’m also geared up to read Eternal Road, but a few more novels are in line first. Thanks for sharing, Denise.
I have Silent Heros on my list to read and have heard good things about it. There’s never enough time in the day to read all the great books I want to, Mark.