Madlyn loses her job, but quickly finds one where she reads to a young man, Cody, who is in a vegetative state after an accident. After running out of things to read to him, she finds a fantasy book he’d been working on and starts reading that. This is where reality and fantasy blur. I could relate to Madlyn and her confusion with what was happening, plus all the strange hints the grandma threw at her. Both beautiful and dark settings, along with poetic images, drew me deep into this story. I loved Madlyn’s developing relationship with not only Cody but his brother Dustin. My favorite parts were when the book was being read. Greed, evil, and power crossed both worlds and mirrored many current issues. This was a clever intertwining of fantasy within reality that took Madlyn, and others, on a journey that came out in a place that made sense. A fantasy story that I can easily recommend. Five-Stars!
by Staci Troilo
Having read and loved the Medici Protectorate Series, I was thrilled to see there was a short story prequel to it. Ottavio and a very pregnant Anita are trying to find the American Dream in the Colorado mountains. Ottavio puts in long hours with little to show for it. One day he comes home with an unexpected find right as Anita goes into labor. They hope to be able to use this to go back to Italy, but things quickly change. This is beautifully written, and I could feel the hardship they had endured, including down to the detail of their poor diet. What happens next is heartbreaking, but then comes a relief to see a familiar group. This can be a standalone read, but I highly recommend the following books in the Medici Protectorate Series. Five-Stars!
(Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #1)
by J.L. Bryan
Ellie professionally removes unwanted ghosts from buildings. She’s teamed up with a newbie partner, Stacey, on a new case. A ghost haunts a family trying to renovate an older house and make it into a Bed and Breakfast. There is a lot of detail that goes into ghost hunting and the ghost makes an appearance quickly in the story. What seems like a normal haunting has many more layers to it. The in-house investigation was scary, but I felt my heart race when they visited an old asylum. I would have been terrified to have been with them. I like the relationship that develops between Ellie and Stacey as we slowly get to know them. This haunted house held my attention and had an unexpected twist. A good start to a ghost series with a likable main character. This is for anyone who enjoys a ghost story with ghost trappers involved. Four-Stars.
For the next two weeks, I will be doing my personal short story challenge with new words, faith & effervescent—and their images.
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!
Read a great book and embrace your inner child! D. L. Finn
Thanks for sharing, Denise
Lovely reviews Denise. The Sorcerer’s Garden was the first book of Diana that I had read and fell in love with her exquisite style. 😊
Thanks, Balroop. Hugs <3
What a great book to find to introduce you into her wonderful writing, Balroop 🙂
Great reviews, Denise! I love Sorcerer’s Garden. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Miriam. Hugs.
You’re welcome, Diana. Denise did a great review! Have a good day! 💖
It was a great read, Miriam, I agree 🙂
I enjoyed reading your review, Denise. 😊
Wonderful selection, thank you.
Thank you, Craig 🙂
Great reviews, Denise. I have Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper on my Kindle.
Thank you, Joan 🙂 Happy reading!
Lovely reviews, Robbie. I missed that one of Staci’s. So glad you spotlighted it here.
Thank you, Jacqui! I didn’t know about the prequel until I saw a review of it and glad I read it!
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Thank you so much for sharing them. 💗
Thank you, Gwen 🙂 I’m happy to be able to share good reads.
What a wonderful collection! I’ve read Valuable Treasures and Ellie Jordan, and loved them both (I’m also a fan of both series). The Sorcerer’s Garden is one of Diana’s books I haven’t gotten to yet, but I’m sure it’s exquisite like the rest of her work. Fabulous reviews, Denise!
Thanks for the kind comment, Mae. Denise has me grinning. 🙂
Thank you, Mae 🙂 I look forward to read more in the Ellie Jordan Series and loved Staci’s Series! You have another good read ahead.
Thank you so much for the view, Denise. I’m having a wonderful week here with my books. It’s so heartwarming. I’m glad you enjoyed the Sorcerer’s Garden. It was a fun one to write. And thanks for the heads up on Staci’s Medici Protectorate and JL’s Ghost Trapper. Both sound fabulous. 🙂 Happy Reading. 🙂
I’m glad you are having a good book week…yay! Much deserved. I can tell you had fun writing this, it shows. I’ve only read the first on in the Ellie Jordan Series and liked that but have read all Staci’s Series and can say it’s a good read. Happy Reading, Diana 🙂
I was reading on the beach yesterday, Denise. Can’t beat it. I’ll be back full speed ahead next week. 🙂
That sounds wonderful! I hope to be doing that soon too 🙂
More to add to my TBR pile! 😍
There always seems to be more to add. Happy reading, Marie!
Nice post, Denise. Diana’s work is always well-constructed–she’s a real craftswoman when it comes to story. Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper and Valued Treasures sound like worthy reads as well. : )
I agree with you about, Diana:) I’ve never been disappointed reading her books. Yes, definitely worthy reads, Cathleen!
Thanks so much, Cathleen, for the kind comment. Hugs.
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing. Lots of good reading, here 🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 Yes, definitely some good reading!
Wow, Denise. This was such a pleasant surprise! Thank you so much. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Valuable Treasures. It was a story that was close to my heart, and I’m pleased to see it get some love.
I was so excited to find out there was a prequel to your series! It is a perfect introduction to not only the series, but how hard life was for our grandparents coming over to find the American Dream.
Nice reviews, Denise. You’ve introduced me to two intriguing stories/authors I knew nothing about. But The Sorcerer’s Garden was my first D.W. Peach novel, which I read several years ago, and it made me a fan of all of her books. Diana probably doesn’t want to hear this, but wouldn’t a sequel to this one be fun? I’ve enjoyed ALL of her books, but The Sorcerer’s Garden and The Ferryman and the Sea Witch are my two favorites.
I’m happy to have made the introductions to new authors to you 🙂 Yes, I could easily see a sequel to Sorcerers Garden. It was a fascinating world as was Sea Witch. Thank you. Pam!
Thanks so much for the fun comment, Pam. I wasn delighted with Denise’s review and I’m so glad you enjoyed that book.It was definitely fun to write. Maybe one day Madlyn will stumble upon another magic book. Who knows. 🙂 Have a lovely week, my friend.
Fantastic reviews, Denise!! I have The Sorcerer’s Garden on my Kindle and have always loved the cover. I need to move it up my long TBR list. I also enjoyed Valuable Treasures and fully intended to move into the Medici series (which is also sitting on my Kindle) but haven’t made it yet. So many amazing books to read. So little time! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Jan 🙂 Sorcerers Garden sat on my Kindle for a long time too. I love that cover too, as well as all of them. I know you will enjoy the Medici Series. You have some good reading ahead!
LOL. I think many of us have those teetering TBR piles, Jan. I also want to read Staci’s Medici seriers but have to finish her sci-fi first. Thanks for the kind comment and Happy Reading!
Your reviews are reliable and a great source for readers to find new books, Denise. Thanks for sharing these fine reads from talent-rich wordsmiths!
Thank you, Beem. You can’t go wrong reading any of these authors or these books!
All three sound amazing! Wonderful reviews, congrats to the authors.
They are, Jacquie 🙂 Thank you!
Terrific reviews, Denise! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you, Jill 🙂 I’m always happy to share the good books I’m reading!
Denise, thanks for taking time to do these wonderful reviews. Like so many here, I love Sorcerer’s Garden. I’m looking forward to this one from Staci, and Ghost Trapper sounds like the perfect Halloween treat. Wishing everyone success. Hugs on the wing.
I’m always happy to share the books I love to read, Teagan 🙂 I’m never disappointed with anything Staci writes and yes, Ghost Trapper is a good Halloween read. xoxo Hugs right back.
Thanks for the kind comment, Teagan. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. Denise’s reviews never steer me wrong. I hope you enjoy the reads.
Enjoy your time off, Diana. Thanks for doing a post to let us know. Hugs.
I got back late last night, Teagan. It was a fun break with lots of beach time. 🙂 Now, I’m ready to start blogging again! Hugs, my friend.
Excellent reviews, Denise. Congratulations to all the authors.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂
Awesome reviews, Denise! I haven’t read any of these, so more to add to the TBR. Congrats to the authors!
Thank you, Teri 🙂 You can’t go wrong with any of them!