Spring has arrived with the return of the birds and wildflowers pushing through the icy soil. It’s a time of change and rebirth as winter slowly fades away. This makes a perfect time to read. I’ve had a good start to reading this year—26 books and counting!
As you know, if I don’t like a book, I won’t read it. There have been a few books I tried to read more than once. I couldn’t get into the story and finally give up.
So, I enjoy all the books I make to the end, but some of them leave a lasting impression on me. They’ve held me captive from the opening paragraph, made me think, or opened my eyes to something new. These are the books that I highlight here in “Books That Changed Me,” and will continue using the author’s blurb over my review.
Here is my 2021 Spring list in no particular order:
I loved the entire Hode Hill Series, but this last one was my favorite. “Eventide” offered everything I appreciate in a story which includes a haunted house, graveyard, and mystery. But that wasn’t all! There were fantastic characters, intriguing relationships to root for all presented in a dual timeline.
Eventide (Hode’s Hill #3)
by Mae Clair
BLURB:
The darkness is coming . . .
The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death…
*****
This YA story is set in the future where there is a very strong divide between the have and have nots. It wasn’t simply some people living better than others; they used the have nots body parts for their own improvement. It chills me to think that our society could become so self-centered and greedy that this would be possible.
Subject A36 (The Colony #1)
by Teri Polen
BLURB:
If genetic engineering could guarantee you and your family perfect health and unparalleled beauty, would you pay top dollar for it? Would you kill for it?
Residents of the Colony would. And do.
Only the Insurgents can stop them.
Seventeen-year-old Asher Solomon is a premier operative with the Insurgents. He and his team have rescued countless hostages, saving them from painful deaths in Colony labs as desirable genetic traits are stripped from their bodies.
He’s also suffered more losses than anyone should have to.
Then Asher gets intel that might give his people the upper hand. The Colony is searching for Subject A36. If the Insurgents determine the subject’s identity first, they might be able to turn the tide of the war.
Asher and his team embark on their riskiest mission ever, and the stakes have never been higher. But even if he survives the physical dangers, the devastating secrets he uncovers might destroy him.
*****
The perfect blend of short stories, poems, and images made this a great read. But what drew me in further was I felt like I was reading about people I knew. There were heartbreaks and humor that carefully engaged my emotions. What I ended up with after reading this collection, there’s hope in everyday situations.
Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet
by Sally Cronin
BLURB:
Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet is a collection of short stories with scattered poetry, reflecting the complexities of life, love and loss.
The stories in the collection dip into the lives of men and women who are faced with an ‘event’ that is challenging and in some cases life changing.
Even something as straightforward as grocery shopping online can be frustrating, and a DNA test produces surprise results, the past reaches out to embrace the present, and a gardening assistant is an unlikely grief counsellor. Romance is not always for the faint-hearted and you are never too old for love. Random acts of kindness have far reaching consequences and some people discover they are on a lucky streak. There are those watching over us who wish us well, and those in our lives who wish us harm.
*****
A bonus short story with the theme to never to give up! Plus, it’s written from a horse’s point of view. How could I not like it?
Satin & Cindersby Jan Sikes
BLURB:
A wild black stallion has cautiously watched a beautiful white mare, from the safety of the forest for many years. He longs to be with her, and ventures close to the barn nightly to communicate with her. They share their deepest desires and secrets. Now it is winter, and the rest of the wild herd has moved on, but the stallion stays. He cannot stand the thought of being so far away from her. The scent of sweet alfalfa hay and the enticing lure of the white mare is too much for him. He must find a way to be with her. But will it be worth the risk? Satin and Cinders is a story of courage and determination.
*****
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Happy Spring 🙂 Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Well done, Denise. I have read every one of these books and agree with you. 😁
Such an amazingly talented group of indie writers that surrounds me. Summer edition is already filling up! Thanks, John:)
Thank you John.. hugsx
Thank you, D L, for sharing blurbs of books that readers might like. Hope you have a lovely weekend!
I’m happy to showcase my fantastic reads, Linnea:) I hope you have a lovely weekend too!
Wonderful collection, Denise! My heartfelt congratulations to each of the writers. 💗
Thanks, Gwen 🙂 I read so many amazing authors it’s hard to narrow it down xo
Thanks again Gwen for your recommendation.hugsxx♥
Outstanding group today. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thanks, Craig:) Can’t go wrong with any of them!
Thanks Craig..x
Good collection, something for everyone, from dystopian to feel good. Thanks, Denise.
It really is a variety this time. Something for everyone:) Thanks, Jacqui!
Great reviews, Denise! These are on my kindle… 🙂
Thanks, Bette, I always add a few thouggts in before the book. You have some fantastic reading ahead:)
Thanks Bette..♥
What a wonderful surprise – I’m honored, Denise! Thank you so much. I’ve read Mae’s series and Eventide is also my favorite – just love that cover. I haven’t read Jan’s or Sally’s books, but I’ve seen glowing reviews for both.
It had to be on the list, Teri. I’m looking foward to more:) Yes, what a perfect house and setting on the cover, I agree. You can’t go wrong with Sally or Jan’s stories!
Lovely to be included with you Teri… very touched by Denise’s comment.
Nice collection, Denise. Some of these I’ve read, others on my TBR. I have to agree with you about Eventide – it was my favorite of the Hode’s Hill series.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 The whole series was great but that last one took it to another level. You have some good reading ahead.
Fabulous reviews, Denise. And what a deserving bunch of authors.
Thank you, Staci:) I agree they are authors to be spotlighted!
Thanks Staci..x
Thank you so much Denise.. on top of your lovely review for the book.. to be included with these writers is amazing… enjoy the rest of the weekend..hugs
I had to include your lovely collection. I agree you are all amazing writers:) You enjoy the rest of your weekend as well. Sending hugs back. ox
♥♥
Wonderful reviews for amazing reads! Happy first day of spring!
Thanks, Jacquie:) Happy spring and happy birthday xo
Thank you!
What a lovely post, Denise. I’ve read Mae’s, Teri’s, and Sally’s books. All wonderful! Thanks so much for the bonus from Jan. She’s a prolific and engaging writer. I have Brother’s Keeper in my kindle. Perhaps this one is next! Happy Reading.
Thanks, Diana:) Yes all books you can’t go wrong reading. I loved Brother’s Keeper and think you will enjoy it as well as as this one. Happy reading@ xo
Fabulous post and reviews, Denise! Bravo to all. 🙂
Thank you, Natalie:) xo
A fabulous collection Denise. Thanks for sharing. I’ve read two of those books and agree with your observations.
Thanks, Balroop:) All good reads!
A lovely post, Denise. Teri’s “Subject A36” is fabulous. I’m looking forward to these others as well. Hugs on the wing.
Thanks, Teagan. I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series. You have some good reading ahead. Hugs back xo
What a wonderful treat to see “Satin & Cinders” listed here with these fabulous books, Denise! Thank you SO much!
It’s a beautiful story I’ll never forget:) xo
Quite a list of talent here. I’ve read and enjoyed EvenTide and Life Is Like A Bowl Of Cherries. The others are on the list. Thanks for sharing these books that have impacted you so much. 🙂
Thanks, Mark 🙂 You have some good reading ahead!
Thanks Mark appreciate the boost
A fabulous collection of books, Denise. Thanks for sharing! 😀 xo
Thank you, Vashti:) Can’t go wrong reading any of them!
Fabulous reviews, Denise. I’ve read three of these books and enjoyed them all.
Thanks, Robbie. Yes, definitely all great reads:)