by Marcia Meara
“Summer Magic” is a wonderful collection of poetry presented in two parts. The first part was based on a character, Mac, from a favorite series of mine, Wake-Robin Ridge. The poems are an amazing glimpse into his childhood and the mountains he grew up in. The second half of the book offered beautiful images that tugged at my heart or took me on a journey. Here are a few of my favorite passages: “Stars, he thinks, pulled loose/From the fabric of the sky,/And flung toward earth/Trailing silver and gold,/And bringing a piece of Heaven/To those watching below,” “Caught in that space between/Daylight and dusk,/When all things seem possible,/And the ordinary,/Remarkable,” “Reminds me of those early days/When all water rushed clear and cold,/And teemed with Promise so bright/You could almost catch it in your hands,” and “Bees moving slowly from/Flower to flower,/In dance weighed down by heat.” This is a collection I highly recommend, and I’ll definitely be reading it again.
“The Heart’s Lullaby” is a beautiful collection of poems that come from love. I felt many emotions as I read through the poems, some made me smile, and others brought tears. Each one offered something of the heart’s experience. Here are a couple of passages that moved me: “The power of a thousand suns/Delicate as morning dew/The dawn course of enchantment/This is my memory of you,” and “His haggard guitar;/Every note frees his soul/His voice carries on the wind/All welcome this one man show.” A thoughtful book to enjoy more than once.
by Staci Troilo
“Mystery Heir” is a fast-paced, cozy mystery. The Dotson twins, Naomi, and Penelope live in a town that believes it’s cursed, but they don’t. Following the murder of a prominent local man, a burglary occurs during the town’s festival. Naomi, who is the more determined of the twins, jumps right into the situation. Her sister is thoughtful and fashion-oriented and tries to interject reason. I love the interaction between the sisters, including their fights. They can take care of themselves, having learned defensive arts, plus they have each other’s backs. When someone they don’t believe is guilty of the crimes he was accused of, they jump in to clear his name. Naomi is my favorite twin. Although she can get herself into trouble, her relationship with the mayor was fun to watch evolve. I thought I had figured out the whodunit many times, only to be wrong. A well-written mystery with characters I cared about and rooted for until the very end. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, this is for you!
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 lovely reviews, Denise.
I’m always happy to share those good books I read:)
Thank you for the reviews, Denise! Great to have them for choosing which one to read first. Have a beautiful week! Michael
Thanks for highlighting these books Denise!
eden
I’m always happy to share the good books I read:) xo
Good collection. I am drawn to the cozy mystery. Twins with different attitudes–I like it.
Thanks, Jacqui:) I do enjoy a good cozy mystery and trying to figure it all out, and the sister element is a fun part.
Great reviews, Denise. I’ve read Staci’s book. I need to check out the others.
Thanks, Joan:) All good reads!
Another wonderful selection.
Thanks, Craig:)
Fantastic reviews, Denise! I have Natalie’s and Marcia’s books on my Kindle. I have to check out Staci’s book.
Thanks, Miriam:) I tried to catch up on my poetry books last month. Both were good ones, and Staci’s book was a lot of fun.
I’ll look at them soon, Denise!
Excellent reviews! Congratulations to the authors and thanks for sharing, Denise. 🙂
Thanjs, Mark, I’m always happy to share:)
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Harmony:) Always happy to share the good ones.
What wonderful reviews, Denise. Marcia’s poetry book sounds like one I need for my shelves, not my Kindle. 🙂 I loved Natalie’s book and you’ve piqued my interest in Staci’s mystery. Thank you for sharing!
Marcia’s book is definitely shelf worthy as is Natalie’s book:) I think you will enjoy Staci’s story.
Well, this was a surprise! Mystery Heir was my first published work, and I’ve grown a lot since I wrote it. Thanks for taking a chance on it. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
It was a fantastic debut, Staci and I did enjoy it:) I think we will always be growing and changing as writers, which is a good thing! Xo
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I have Marcia’s book in my kindle, waiting for me. Natalie’s love poetry is beautiful. And I enjoy Staci’s writing. A cozy mystery sounds like a fun summer read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and recommendations!
I’m sure you will enjoy Marcia’s poetry:) A cozy mystery is perfect for summertime reading and I’ve never been disappointed by Staci’s writing. Happy reading!
Sounds like three amazing reads! Enjoyed your reviews, Denise. 🙂
Thanks, Sue:) Definitely all good reads!
This is such a wonderful surprise, Denise. A fantastic way to begin the day. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your lovely review. My heart is full. Thank you. xo Cheers to Marcia and Staci, too! 🙂
Your book filled my heart so thank you 🙂 xo
Hi Denise. This sounds like an engaging trio of books. Congrats to Staci, Marcia, and Natalie. I see delightful reading in my future. 😀 Hugs on the wing.
You have some good reading ahead, Teagan:) Hugs right back to you xo
More great reads. And I love Marcia’s cover!
Take special care.
Yes, definitely reads, Sandra. Yes, I loved that cover too! Thank you, you take special care too xo
Let’s hear it for poetry that pulls at the heart strings and has a strong sense of place. And yes, I do love a good cozy. Three great reviews, Denise!
Thanks, Priscilla:) These poets did an excellent job at both. Nothing more fun than a good cozy mystery!
I never knew about this earlier book of Staci’s, but I’m not surprised to hear you enjoyed it. Wake-Robin Ridge is a fav of mine, so I’m drawn to the fact that some of Marcia’s poems are about Mac’s backstory (it was a harsh one). I’ve seen some of Natalie’s poetry online before, and it’s beautiful. Wonderful reviews, Denise!
I wasn’t surprised Staci’s book was good either, Teri:) Wake-Robin is a favorite of mine too so it was nice to see poetry written for it! Thanks, Teri!
Fantastic reviews, Denise. I’ve read all three of these books and loved them all. Congratulations to the authors on their fantastic, and well deserved reviews!
Thanks, Mae:) Yes, all fantastic reads that deserve to be read more! xo
Thanks for sharing these wonderful reviews, Denise. I read Natalie’s poetry book, and I agree, this book is meant to be enjoyed more than once. I’ll put the other two books on my TBR list.
Thanks, Vashti. You have some good reading ahead!
Great reviews of some of my favorite writers! Thank you for sharing, Denise. 😊
I’m happy to share and yes, some favorites definitely here today! xo
Nice reviews Denise. Thanks for sharing, I am adding them to my wish list. I’ve read Natalie’s poetry but that was her earlier book.
I had read her other book too and missed this one. Glad I finally fixed that:) Happy reading!
All three of these sound tempting. Thanks for the recommendations, Denise!
Can’t go wrong with any of them, Jacquie 🙂