by Sally Cronin
I was drawn in by Sam’s picture on the cover, having had a collie as a young girl, so this called me to read. The story’s told from Sam’s perspective, which was interesting, amusing, and sometimes sad. I loved his journey, meeting his loving family, and living in Ireland and Spain. Henry, the stray cat, who became part of his pack, quickly won my heart. We can only imagine what our pets are thinking, but I believe Ms. Cronin really captured Sam’s spirit in this book. I came out feeling like I’d been part of his pack. This was a feel-good read with some of life’s realities mixed in with just the right touch. When I finished, I was left thinking about all my pets over the years and wondered what they might have to say about their journey. This is a must-read for all pet lovers! Five-Stars!
“Perfectly Imperfect” is a fun romantic read. Georgina started the company of her dreams and was expecting the representative who she merged her company with for capital. Unfortunately, the two met before their upcoming appointment and had some mishaps. Rhys is the son of the company’s owner and is posed to sell Georgina’s company unknown to her. The story is told in the first person from both points of view so you can see both sides of their story and appreciate their misunderstandings. Then throw in a puppy and a dinner, and it gets interesting. I enjoyed reading this sweet short story in one evening. If you want a good HEA, this is for you! Four-Stars!
By Marcia Meara
I’ve enjoyed the story of Azrael the Archangel, who needs help and brings in two emissaries, Jake and Dodger. I was excited to see how the story concluded, but sad to see it end. Jake and Dodger have a sweet father and son relationship as they help others. Dodger sees a woman and immediately falls in love with her. Can he find her again, and will he be allowed to explore his feelings? That alone kept me reading way past my bedtime. I love how Dodger explored his place now in the world throughout the book. Then there are Azrael’s sudden arrivals that always made me chuckle, plus I loved the humor between Jake and Dodger. Azrael’s presence is intimidating to the two men, but you can see the archangel’s heart underneath. I highly recommend this story. Five-Stars!
The Ballad of Mrs. Molony (The Hat, #3)
by C.S. Boyack
Lizzie is a young woman with a family secret, a hat. I love how Mr. Boyack brings the Hat to life and the hilarious exchanges between Lizzie and the Hat. Mrs. Molony’s addition and what it meant to their vampire hunting and missing woman quest is something I wasn’t expecting. I love how Lizzie and the Hat’s band travel and interact with the crowds. It’s a mini-concert while serving justice. This is a quick read that I didn’t want to put down, so I read it in one night. All three stories in The Hat Series are entertaining, fast-paced, and creative. The author made sure they could be read out of order, so you could start here and work your way back. I highly recommend “The Ballad of Mrs. Molony.” Five-Stars!
I’m already a fan of Ms. Singh’s poetry, having read and enjoyed her past poetry books. “Magical Whispers” is a delicate blend of nature and human introspection. It’s divided into two parts. One part focuses more on Mother Nature, and the other offers an insight into our journey. The words painted beautiful pictures that captured my imagination and left me thinking. This is a collection that I will want to read more than once and will be added to my bookshelf. I jotted down some of my favorites as I read, but my list became too long to list here in its entirety. Here are just a few that touched my soul: Stream Whispers, Starlight, Magic in Her Pocket, Little Beetle, and Love is Love. If you love poetry, you won’t want to miss out on this collection! 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!
I’m working furiously on my NaNo story, and other things have come up, especially this last week, so I’m not active on social media, especially blogs. I have gone days without reading.
We finally got some rain and a bit of snow this weekend. Looks like fire season might finally be over here. Whew!
Embrace your inner child by reading a fantastic book and giving the author your review! D. L. Finn
Excellent Reviews, Denise. Thank you.
Thanks, John 🙂
You’re working very hard, Denise. I was surprised to see your reviews. They’re excellent reviews. 😊 Thank you for sharing. We got some rain and thinners. I was told there was hail also but I didn’t see it.
How things are well with you. 💖
Hi Miriam:) I did my blog posts in October so I wouldn’t have to this month. Glad to hear you got some rain, too. it was so nice! Some people go hail but no one heard the thunder. We had mixed snow and then some corn snow which is kind of like hail but colder. Things are going well, hope they are for you too. xo
That’s a good way to do it to have something fine in advance. We’re still doing well. We were going to have a couple over for dinner on the backyard but rescheduled to next week because of the rain.
We’re going to Portland for Thanksgiving and Christmas, hope to see some snow. The fall colors there are beautiful right now.
Happy writing. ☺️💖
Here I see more rain and cold for the next week, which is a relief. I hope you get your dinner in soon, sounds fun!
That’s wonderful you’re spending the holidays in Portland with your grandbabies:) Hopefully you will see some snow. I bet you’ll at least get good views of it. We haven’t got to Eugene this year, luckily our son has come to us. But I miss going there. Oregon is so pretty year round
I haven’t been to Eugene. I’ve been to Salem, Medford, Grants Pass, and Ashland.
Good to hear your son has come to see you.
I miss the four seasons in Oregon. I used to live in Portland and loved all the weather and colors.
Thanks so much for including Sam’s review again Denise and for including me in this wonderful company..I am sharing your review in the cafe update on Wednesday…have a good week…hugsx
I loved it, Sally. It made me remember my collie and all those wonderful memories of my first dog. I’m behind in blog visits, but thank you! I hope more people get to meet, Sam! Hugs back xo
Thanks again Denise and so do I and I am sure your review will help..hugsx
Fingers crossed. Hugs back xo
♥
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing them and nudging each of us to read more. 😊 All the best on your writing!
Thanks, Gwen:) I’m always finding good books to read from blog reviews, so I’m hoping someone will find their good read in one of these great books. Xo
Some great books and reviews here, Denise. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Harmony:) It was definitely some great books. Xo
So glad you enjoyed Mrs. Molony, and it means a lot to me that you included it here. I’m glad your fire season is ending, but sad that it takes winter to end it.
I really am enjoying the series, Craig. I love the hat’s personality:)
It went from shorts to winter clothes overnight. We seem to get no fall rains anymore, but I’ll take winter to not have to worry anymore. It’s nice to put the go-bag away.
It seems like all areas have had something nature related to deal with on top of everything else. Glad that worry is off your list.
It does seem like there’s been crazy weather everywhere too. Will have to see what winter brings us, but anything is better than a fire. Maybe I shouldn’t put that thought out there though…lol.
Yes, bite your tongue.
Fabulous list, Denise. Congratulations to all authors.
Thanks, Staci. It was some good reading 🙂
What a great surprise to find your lovely review of The Emissary 3: Love Hurts here today, Denise! I’m so glad you enjoyed the trilogy, and I love being included in this round up of super writers. It’s greatly appreciated, and I’m passing the post along for others to enjoy, too. 🙂 THANKS!!
Continued good luck with NaNo, as well! 🙂
Thanks, Marcia:) I love anything angel related and enjoyed getting to know Archangel Azael and crew!
NaNo is going well so far, thanks. Xo
Nice reviews, Denise!
Thank you, Joan 🙂
Fantastic reviews, Denise! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these awesome books!
Thanks, Jan. They really were awesome books:)
Fantastic reviews to share, Denise! Bravo to all. 🙂
Thanks, Natalie:) xo
Thank you Denise, your reviews are always inspiring. I am glad you liked Magical Whispers. Congratulations to all the wonderful authors listed here.
Thanks, Balroop 🙂 Your Poetry always inspires me. Xo
This is a lovely surprise, Denise! Thanks for the wonderful review and congrats to all the other authors.
I’m glad the fire scare is over. We have snow in our forecast- a rarity for the island 🙂
I always enjoy your stories, Jacquie:)
It’s a huge relief to be able to stand down with fire worries. Are you looking forward to the snow? It sure went from warm to cold over night.
The snow is pretty… from afar! lol
Gotcha! I do love watching it snow and walking or playing in it. I refuse to drive in it anymore.
Great reviews, Denise – some pure gold in this collection 🙂
Thanks Jessica! I agree 🙂
Excellent selection of books and reviews, Denise. Congrats to all the authors! Thank you for sharing. <3 xo
Thanks Vashti:) Always happy to share good reads.
All wonderful books, Denise. Thank you for sharing your reviews.
Thanks for all these fabulous reviews, D.L. The one which will be pushed ahead on my TBRList is of course, Sam’s story by Sally Cronin. I’m always a sucker for reading animals stories, especially dogs. I hope you have a pleasant weekend and happy, safe reading. 🙂
Thanks, Maretha:) I love reading about animals too. I think you will enjoy it. Happy reading!
I’m sure I will, DL! I’ve not been much in the mood for writing for a few months now, but I’ve got so many snippets of our dogs and cats and a few budgies, that I’m wondering if I shouldn’t start to collate everything. Perhaps reading about Sally Cronin’s Sam might kickstart me! 🤨Enjoy tomorrow and have a safe, peaceful weekend! 💐💐💐
This is the perfect read for animal lovers and I think it just might inspire you. I thought a lot about the collie I had as a girl that was born on the same day and year as me. I enjoyed reading it through Sam’s perpective. I always like to imagine what animals are thinking.
I’ve been in the same boat when it comes to writing. So I broke out and do a few challenges which has helped and doing the NaNo forced to me to get writing. It seems to be flowing again finally. Hope your muse shows up soon for you. xo
I often thought about doing the NANO challenge but I just never quite knew how and what to do. So, perhaps I’ll get tips from you, DL, to do so next time! Enjoy your weekend and stay safe.🤓
This is my second year of NaNo. Mae inspired me to try it:) Heres the link if you want to look around. https://nanowrimo.org/
Thanks, DL! 🌺🦋🌺
All sound like great reads, Denise. We had a Collie growing up as well, loved that dog! Thanks for shring your thoughts on the reads.
Thanks, Mark:) They are wonderful dogs. The first dog my husband and I got together was a half collie. I’ve been thinking I’ll run into a collie someday to join our house again. They are good dogs.
What a marvelous assortment of books, Denise. I’ve read some of them and agree they are wonderful. Hugs on the wing.
It is. You can’t go wrong with any of these authors:) Hugs right back.