Tidal Falls (Wounded Hearts #1)
“Tidal Falls” is a romantic thriller set in a charming small town. Sara and her daughter Jessica are on the run from her abusive husband. She feels peace she hasn’t felt in years when she settles in Tidal Falls. Nick is her neighbor who is ex-military and still carrying some wounds from his service. There is steamy chemistry between Nick and Sara, but I love the developing relationship between Nick and Jessica. A wonderful bonus character is Nick’s dog, which really shows his heart. There is enough insight to understand why the characters have the reaction they do, and my favorite part is Nick’s response to danger. This story is fast-paced, and the relationships all felt real to me. Sara harbors enough mistrust to keep her alive, and that spills into her budding friendship with Nick. As backstories unwind and current situations take front and center, I couldn’t stop reading. I am curious about a few unanswered questions yet was satisfied with the ending. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Emerging From Shadows: Poetry by Balroop Singh
“Emerging From Shadows” is a deeply emotional collection of poetry. The words were a journey that showed the darkest of moments but extended the light of hope on the horizon. The poetry is free verse, and it swirled around the bleakness of a situation and then offered possibilities of what might be. Here are a few of my favorite passages: “When sun smiles at the horizon/Gloriously beaming its buoyant banter/A hope emanates from the dimming light/Disseminating a metaphorical message…,” “You inspire me to look at the clouds/Creative fairies step out and smile/Sober thoughts spill out to greet you/You enthrall them when you meet,” and “Smooth silvery clouds of/Myriad shapes, shifting, forming/Moving, mesmerizing, merging/Into the azure blue.” This is a book to be read slowly and will leave you thinking after reading it. If you enjoy poetry exploring those shadows we carry inside, you will want to read this.
The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits (Dead Horse Canyon #1)
by Marcha A. Fox and Pete Risingsun
“The Curse of the Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits” is a thrilling adventure full of mystery and knowledge. This is a longer read, but I didn’t notice. I loved the Colorado setting and could relate to the mining details and the aftermath because I live in an old mining town. I’ve seen firsthand the damage it left behind. The characters immediately pulled me in, and I had empathy for Sara when she lost her husband, and almost her own life, in a car accident in a cursed area. Her memory of what occurred was gone, but that didn’t stop her from trying to find the truth. Her husband’s best friend Charlie starts a journey to unravel the mystery of what happened to his friend and exploring his culture. Although I loved both characters and their mutual support, Charlie was my favorite character and storyline. I have always had a deep interest in Native American Culture and the details and history, which would usually be too much in any other story, were perfect in this book. Sara’s relationship with her father and stepmother was realistic, and I especially loved her stepmother introducing her to something new, which tied in nicely to what was going on. Sara and Charlie’s love for Bryan pushed them into a world of greed and corruption. This is a riveting read, and it left a lot to resolve in the upcoming books, which makes me eager for their release. I highly recommend this!
Love, Lattes and Danger (Mutants #2)
by Sandra Cox
“Love, Lattes and Danger” is the second story in the Mutants series. Having read and enjoyed the first book, I was eager to continue the story. This one is told from Joel’s POV. He is a dolphin mutant with turquoise eyes, and along with his sister, was sold to a company to find underwater oil leaks. When Joel stumbles across a test-tube baby who is his, he promises to free her and find the girl he loves, or the mother. There’s a love triangle and a group that is determined to end Joel’s quest and life. The action starts immediately and doesn’t let up. This is a sweet YA sci-fi/fantasy that I easily read in two sittings. It brought a smile to my face each time they interacted with the dolphins. I look forward to reading the next book to see what happens.
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 that inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Terrific reviews, Denise.
Thanks, John 🙂
😁
You are a busy reader. I have Tidal Falls on my TBR list. I’ve read and enjoyed The Curse of Deadhorse Canyon. The others sound like great reads as well.
I have been, although took a short break this week. I’m in for the entire Wounded Heart series now and look forward to reading the rest. Your review The Curse of Deadhorse Canyon nugged to me to read this sooner. So glad I did! Happy reading.
Wow, part 3 of April reviews, Denise! You’ve been busy reading and it’s a great collection of books from Jacquie, Balroop and Sandra. Thank you for introducing Marcha and Peter to me!
I’ve been reading a lot, but took a small break this week as I work on my final edits for my kids book. Glad to introduce you, that was a fascinating read. xo
Wow, Denise, how exciting. You have another kids book coming up soon! I’ll make sure to keep up with your news.
I took the writing course at ICL in 2006. When did you take yours. The fee is 3x higher than what I paid for. They changed the logo. I couldn’t recognize the website. <3
Thanks, Miriam:) This is a story that’s been sitting for years, so I thought it was time! xo
It’s good to have many stories in our folders to revisit, Denise! I’ll promote the Tina book for a while before revisiting other stories. I have a sales promo coming up on Book Funnel. <3
I never saw a website, Miriam:) My classes were in 97, 98 and 2000. Might have been one in 99 as well, didn’t find that. Mine was through the mail, so typed and all handwritten until I got a computer.
I didn’t know about the website until later, Denise. I picked up a pamphlet from Vons, took the aptitude test and the first lesson by mail. Then I found out about the website and requested to do it online. I have to ask Darlene when she took the course. 😊
Great collection. I’ve read almost all of these authors, enjoyed them, and somehow missed a few of their books. I’m off to check them out!
It’s easy to miss a few and I’m always glad when I’m reminded of one in a review! Thanks, Jacqui!
Thank you, Denise. This is a wonderful surprise! I’m thrilled to be included in this wonderful list <3
You’re welcome, Jacquie. I’m so glad I started this series and I will be working my way through it! xo
Appreciate your support!
You sure have been busy this month, Denise! Wonderful reviews. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve been getting a lot of good reading done, but never catching up:) Taking a small break to finish up final edits on book. xo
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Staci. Always happy to share the good ones:) xo
Thanks for sharing. I’m continually amazed by how many you read.
I’m always trying to catch up on my TBR list, but never getting there. I’m in a small break though to edit 🙂
These all look like awesome reads. I enjoyed Tidal Falls and Love, Lattes and Danger, but the other two sound excellent as well. I’ve read other poetry books by Balroop. I just love her work!
Balroop writes beautiful poetry, and the Tidal Falls and Love, Lattes, and Danger both good ones. I expected to enjoy The Curse of Deadhorse Canyon, but it was a suprise just how much I liked it. xo
What a delightful surprise. Nice way to start my day:)
xoxo
Yay! Happy Monday xo
Fantastic reviews, Denise! I have “Tidal Falls” waiting for me on my Kindle and your review wanted me to hurry up and read it! Thank you for sharing all of these!
Thanks, Jan. It sat on my Kindle for a long time and I really glad I started the series. Now I want to keep reading more! xo
Hi Denise, thank you for sharing these excellent reviews. I am reading Jacquie’s latest book in this series and will have to go back and I am keen to learn Nick and Sara’s story. Balroop’s poetry is always wonderful and the other two books sounds excellent.
I almost started with Jacquie’s new book too, but decided to go back and see how it all started:) I can’t wait to catch up. Balroop’s poetry is always amazing and the other two are definitely good reads:) Thanks, Robbie. Happy reading!
Thank you for a lovely review Denise, I am feeling blessed. 🙂
I always love reading your poems, Balroop:) I have another book of your poetry coming up soon!
Wow! Thank you so much Denise. 🤗
I love your reviews, Denise and Dead horse Canyon sounds like one I would enjoy…I order my reading in a job lot given what the post is like to here and that will definitely go on my next order having just put in an order but won’t recieve them for a least 3-4 weeks…Thank you for following CarolCooks2 🙂 x
Hi Carol. Yes, it was definitely a good read that had a lot of insight too. I’m sure you will enjoy it! Let me know what you think about it. Happy reading.
I haven’t read Tidal Falls or Curse. Both sound good. I have read Emerging and loved it. You and Balroop (and the HH) are my three favorite poets.
Take special care.
Both reads i think you’d enjoy, Sandra.
Awe, thank you for including me in such esteemed company xo
Excellent reviews, Denise! Congratulations to the authors. 🙂
Thanks, Mark 🙂 A great group to read!
Applesauce! I didn’t realize I was so far behind, Denise. There’s so much excitement in this group. I loved Jacquie’s Tidal Falls. The others sound equally enjoyable. Hugs on the wing.
Definitely alot of excitement in this group of authors! Hugs on the wing back to you xo