Conflicted Hearts: A Daughter’s Quest for Solace from Emotional Guilt
by D.G. Kaye
“Conflicted Hearts” is a wonderful insight of a girl growing up with an unavailable mother and father lost in that world. I could easily relate to the role of caretaker being thrust on a young girl and the guilt she carried. The blame her paternal grandparents had toward her because her father had to marry her mother was heavy, as was her parents’ on and off living arrangements and mother’s self-absorption toward her children. The guilt followed Ms. Kaye into adulthood, as she always tried to do the right thing. I appreciated how mistakes made had given her the lessons needed. One situation that made me cringe was during a trip to Greece and a broken foot. But people came into her life just when they were needed. I found that very heartening. It was hard to read about the abusive relationship she ended up in, and I was relieved when they parted ways. I loved watching the author make her way to her happily ever after. I found this an inspiring journey of how Ms. Kaye navigated her home life and then left it behind to find herself and love. I highly recommend this memoir. Five-Stars.
THE INTRUDER: A Short Thriller
I was immediately drawn into the life of Serenity. Her name fit her peaceful existence until she found some pictures on her cell phone. I admit it would terrify me to discover what Serenity did, and her reaction felt very real to me. This quick read had a twist at the end that was a surprise. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Smith. Four-Stars
by Sandra Cox
Gabriella finds a glowing crystal ball that shows her the face of a man. Once it’s in her possession, things begin to happen to her, including meeting the man whose face she saw, Christopher. I love the relationship that grows between Gabriella and Tamara, or Christopher’s aunt. Ned the dog and Jericho, the cat, are favorites of mine too. I worried about their wellbeing the entire story. Gabriella and Christopher love and hate each other, but fairy magic has an agenda of its own. It’s the greed, jealousy, love, and magic that weaves this into an exciting read, but Gabriella’s obsession with the crystal made it a page-turner as she tries to survive. “The Crystal” is a romantic thriller filled with lots of fey magic that I highly recommend. 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! 🙂 D. L. Finn
Thank you for sharing these wonderful reviews, Denise. I’ve definitely got to make time for reading! They all sound terrific. 💗
Thanks, Gwen. There never seems to be enough time to do everything. I have such a long TBR list, I wonder if I’ll ever get through it.
Good books. I read Conflicted Hearts a while ago. Deb has a way of writing that is so personal, you can fail but feel the pain but also the strength. Nicely done.
Yes, there was a nice balance in the writing that was very personal and I became deeply invested. Thanks, Jacqui!
Thank you Jacqui 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these books, Denise! The Crystal really got my attention because of the metaphysical aspect of it. I will have to check it out!
I’ve been drawn to fairies lately, so this was a perfect read for me. Happy reading, Jan!
Thanks for the interest, Jan. Much appreciated.
These sound like three great reads, Denise. I like that Sandra included a dog and cat in The Crystal. She always does great with making pets stand out in her stories.
Yes, all great reads, Mae. Yes, Sandra does have a way of bringing animals into the story and the reader’s hearts.
Thanks so much, Mae. And how is that little darlin’ of yours doing?
As curious and cuddly as ever, LOL! 🙂
These are interesting choices, Denise. I’m physically unable to read long selections right now, but I will try the short by Marlena Smith soon. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Linda:) Yes, short stories would be nice for you now and there are a lot of them out there. xo
Thanks, Denise.
Great reviews. Thanks for sharing, Denise 🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂
Another nice collection, Denise!
Thank you, Joan!
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Staci 🙂
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and for your wonderful review for my first book Denise. I am over the moon and sharing. And thanks for the introduction to Marlena and Sandra’s books! <3
What a great debut book Debby! Happy to share the good reads in hopes others will enjoy them as much as I did. xo
Thanks so much Denise, I’ll include in my Sunday review blog post. Hugs xx
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I’ve read one and the other two sound great!
Thanks Jacquie:) They were good!
Thanks for the lovely review, Denise, and for including me in such talented company.
Hugs,
You are very welcome, Sandra. A wonderful read that needs to be read.
Great reviews, Denise! My congratulations to the authors. I’ll add Conflicted Hearts to my TBR, for sure. 🙂
Thanks, Mark:) It’s a good one.
I just purchased my copy of Conflicted Hearts. 🙂
Happy reading, Mark!
Three intriguing reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing. I have Debby’s book on my TBR.
Thanks, Robbie:) You had a good read ahead.