by James J. Cudney & Didi Oviatt
“Weathering Old Souls” is a unique collaboration that was seamlessly written. Abigail was living with an emotionally distant father, but luckily the family next door is there. Abigail has some issues that doctors believe need to be medicated, but that doesn’t happen. This allows a journey for Abigail to explore what is happening to her. Her research and insights not only take her to the south during slavery, the Titanic, and Japanese internment camps during WW2, but she finds a serial killer in the mix. Margaret, who was there for her growing up, became her big sister and biggest supporter. Told through more than one POV and several settings allows a complete look into what Abigail is dealing with throughout her youth into adulthood. I enjoyed the mystery and examining the idea of past lives. Although I recognized the serial killer when introduced, I was still drawn into how that would play out. The use of crystals and psychics was a nice addition to the story as she seeks answers. Good blend of genres and authors. If you enjoy a mystery with an uncommon other-worldly twist, this is for you.
By Sandra Cox
“Keeper Tyree” is a fast-paced western that focuses on revenge. Keeper is a bounty hunter who has a reputation with women and fast draws. A widow, Cathleen, approaches him to find the man who killed her son. He reluctantly agrees to help her. After meeting Cathleen’s father and daughter, he sets off to find this criminal and collect his bounty. He doesn’t expect to be followed, though. I love the story is told from only Keeper’s POV and found it fascinating to see things from his perspective. There was good chemistry between Keeper and Cathleen with fun dialog. The settings were vivid, bringing me right into the story. I love the people they came across on this journey. A favorite became Maybell and her group. The action began immediately and never let up. This was a page-turner that I read in two sittings and would have in one if I hadn’t needed to sleep. It was nice to see a nod to another bounty hunter from a past book. If you love westerns with some romance and good characters, this book is for you. I highly recommend it.
The Ferryman and the Sea Witch
I’ve been looking forward to reading The Ferryman and the Sea Witch because I love all things ocean and fantasy—and was not disappointed. When he was a young boy, Callum tried to save the sea merrow queen’s daughter tangled in fish netting. The crew paid for standing by, but Callum was offered a deal to never set foot on land and become the Ferryman. He was the only one allowed to cross the sea, if a human sacrifice was offered each crossing. So, Callum transported goods between two warring cities. Then comes the time for him to deliver more than goods. Secrets are revealed that change everything. I love how skillfully Ms. Peach weaves in the details and scenery. It makes a fantasy world seem very real. The characters were flawed and well-rounded, and I rooted for several outcomes and relationships. Beautifully written with dark undertones made this a story I didn’t want to put down. This is a book I highly recommend!
***
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!
NOTES & A Poem:
- I will be on vacation this week celebrating my birthday! So there will be no blog next Sunday, and I will be quiet on social media and blogs:)
- Newsletters went out early yesterday because of vacation. Check your email if subscribed!
Now here is the poem I wrote years ago, and is in No Fairy Tale, about the first step on the moon. As a young girl, I really did believe that was part of my birthday gift. Since that moment, I’ve always been fascinated with the moon!
MOONWALK: JULY 20, 1969
The night loved me.
It was mutual.
The stars,
The quiet,
The crickets,
The moon—especially the moon.
Hours passed
In perfect silence,
Eyes staring
As the huge
Parental face
Stared back,
Its familiar glow
So far away.
All things were possible,
And just as impossible.
So, no surprise on my seventh birthday
When I watched and heard,
“That’s one small step for man,
One giant leap for mankind.”
The astronaut Neil Armstrong,
The spaceship Eagle,
The Sea of Tranquility
Were my gift.
I’m positive
That gentle, glowing face,
Swelling each month
So I can see its full magnificence,
Hasn’t forgotten me
Or the day
When man first encroached
On the moon and our innocence.
The moon still watches me,
And sometimes
I remember to look.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Super reviews, Denise. A very Happy Birthday to you. You will like the 70’s and to have a birthday that coincides with the first moonwalk is magical. Your poem is lovely too.
Thanks, John. The 70s were fun that is for sure. Yes, there is something magical about that moment!
😊
All three books sound fab. I haven’t read a Western in awhile. Maybe it’s time. Happy birthday! (Sweet poem!)
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 Sandra got me back into westerns again, and I’m really enjoying it.
Great collection. I’ve read Sandra’s and Diana’s–to my eternal joy–and need to try James’. Thanks for these, Denise.
Amazing reads, weren’t they Jacqui! Happy reading 🙂
Oh yeah they were!
Great reviews, Denise! I just finished “The Ferryman and The Sea Witch,” and it was SO good! I am looking forward to Weathering Old Souls and Keeper Tyree. I love that name. 🙂 Thank you for sharing and congrats to the authors!
Thanks, Jan 🙂 Yes, it was such a great read! You have some good reading ahead. I love the name Keeper Tyree too! So fitting.
Great reviews, Denise. I’ve been seeing a lot about “Weathering Old Souls” and “The Ferryman and the Sea Witch.”
I love your poem. You know me and moons… 🙂
Thanks, Joan 🙂 Yes, they have been very popular books 🙂
Glad you liked the poem, and yes I do! A fellow moon-lover 🙂
Thank you so much for a generous review, and your wonderful kindness. 🙂
Happy to share good books, Jay 🙂
Those are excellent reviews, Denise. I’ve read The Ferryman and the Sea Witch and loved it. I’ve also been hearing a lot of wonderful things about the other two and will keep them on my reading radar. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. The poem was magical. What a great experience to have the moonwalk fall on your birthday. wishing you fun-filled birthday this year!
It was such a wonderful read, and perfect summer reading! Yes, can’t go wrong keeping them on your radar:) Thank you, Mae! Yes, such a magical moment for a child, that I try to hang on to.
Thanks for the pleasant surprise, Denise! I’ve read Diana’s awesome tale of the Sea Witch and Old Souls sounds fascinating. The name alone is a grabber.
What a moving poem. It makes my breath catch.
Enjoy your birthday week. To those of us that know you, you are every bit as special as the space walk:) xoxo
It is a great title, isn’t it? I’ve been reading some great books lately, and proudly placed Keeper Tyree on that special shelf. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem, it was a special moment for us all, but for that little girl–magical. Awe, thank you, Sandra, that means a lot to me as you do! Sending a ton of hugs xo
It is a great title:)
Keeper and I are thrilled to be on your special shelf:)
Hope your day is filled with birthday magic.
Hugs
xo
These are all great books, Denise. I also loved Weathered Old Souls.
They were! Yes it was a fun collaboration for sure.
Happy Birthday, dear Denise. 💗 Thank you for sharing your reviews of three incredible writers. I have immense respect for each, and now have three more books to enjoy. Big hugs and many good wishes for an incredible vacation birthday celebration.
Thank you, Gwen. You have some good reading ahead! I appreciate the birthday wishes and you xo
Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Jay 🙂
Have a wonderful birthday. Sounds like you’ve had some good reading this time.
Thank you, Craig 🙂 Yes, been reading some good books lately for sure.
Thanks for sharing your marvelous reviews, Denise! I have a couple of these in my kindle and can’t wait to read. I enjoyed your poem too. Have a wonderful vacation! <3
Thank you, Vashti :). You have some great reading ahead! Happy you enjoyed the poem. I appreciate the wishes xo
Happy Birthday!! 😀
Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Denise. I hope you enjoy your time off and that you are well-pampered! And thanks so much for reading and sharing your review of The Ferryman and the Seawitch. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yay! That makes all the hard work worth the effort. And I’m delighted to share the post with Sandra (I enjoyed Keeper Tyree too) and with Jay and Didi. Congrats to all three. Hugs. 🙂
Thank you, Diana 🙂 Yes, enjoying my time off and already getting pampered for my b-day. Yes, it does make it all worth it when its gets enjoyed! I hope it gets a lot of new readers xo
Wow, where to even start with this post, Denise! First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Second, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review of WOS.
Now, most importantly – I want you to know that this post really reminds how much I love and miss blogging, and why I fell in love with blogging in the first place. I rarely spend time on WordPress and I used to absolutely love it and all the bookish people that I connected with regularly when it was a part of my daily routine. Diana was actually the very first person to follow and comment on my blog – the very day I threw my first ever post out there (weird enough!!). She’s so kind, and I’ve officially just downloaded this new book of hers, it looks intriguing. Also, your poetry is absolutely gorgeous!! I love poetry and I love moon magic, more than I can even explain. So THANK YOU for everything this post is. You’ve inspired me to start writing my own poetry more often, and to make the time to blog as often as I used to! Hope you’re having a great summer and staying out of the heat!!
Thank you, Didi:) I’m having a wonderful bday and vacay! I’m really glad you enjoyed the moon poem, it’s really a special moment for me and the world too 😉 That makes me happy to hear you want to start writing poetry again. I hope you share it with us. We do have a wonderful writing community and blogging too! I am grateful for it and wish I had more time to explore it. You have a great read ahead with Diana’s book. It’s the perfect summer read. Hope your summer is going well too!
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Denise. Your poem from No Fairy Tale is beautiful. The only book that I haven’t read so far is Weathering Old Souls and it is very much on my wish list. Thanks for sharing lovely reviews.
Thank you, Balroop 🙂 It’s a favorite poem of mine. Happy reading!
Wishing you a super happy birthday, Denise. Enjoy every moment of the time off to celebrate. I enjoyed reading your excellent reviews and I loved The Ferryman and the Sea Witch also. I haven’t read Sandra’s and Jay and Didi’s books yet. I have read some of Jay’s books and loved them.
Thank you, Miriam, it was a fantastic week. We stayed close to home, but enjoyed the lake and stars. The Ferryman and the Seawitch is the perfect summer read. Yes, I’ve read a few of Jay’s books and always enjoy them. I have a few waiting for me on my Kindle. xo
Good to hear you have a wonderful week and birthday, Denise! We’re going to Santa Barbara for our anniversary in three weeks. I booked a trip to Canada but the border is still closed, so I rebooked a somewhat local trip.
Hope you’re enjoying your birthday week. Happy Happy! I can’t wait to read Diana’s book – on my Kindle waiting impatiently. I love the title of James’ and Didi’s book – will buy it just for that, but your review shows it’s going to be a great read. xo
I had a great birthday week, Pam, thank you! It was nice to stick close to home and relax. You have some good reading ahead 🙂 I have a few of those books waiting impatiently too! Happy reading. xo
Happy belated birthday, Denise! I hope you had a wonderful day. I’ve seen your beautiful starry night photos on Instagram, they’re gorgeous!
Lovely reviews!
Thank you, Jacquie:) It was a wonderful day at the lake! It was nice star gazing and I couldn’t resist taking some photos!
What fun it must have been to have your birthday on the day of the first moon landing. A lovely poem, Denise. Three excellent reviews. I also enjoyed Weathering Old Souls and I have Diana’s book on my TBR.
It was a lot of fun and at 7 years old, I was convinved it was for me… lol. You have some good reading ahead, Robbie xo
Congratulations to James, Didi, Sandra, and Diana on the excellent reviews! Nice work on the review and the poem, Denise. Happy belated birthday, too. 🙂 I really enjoyed the Ferryman and The Sea Witch, too.
Thank you, Mark 🙂 I had a great birthday week! The Ferryman and the Sea Witch has been a popular read! Have a great weekend.