by Mae Clair
This is a wonderful collection of short stories, each with a unique flavor. The descriptions and images pulled me into each tale’s world. Although I enjoyed all the stories, many stood out including, “Robin of Sherwood,” “Miss Lilly Makes a Wish,” and “Father’s Day.” I loved the twist of a post-apocalyptic Robin Hood and saw all the favorite characters in a new yet familiar role. When Miss Lilly finds a lamp with a genie in it, it’s so much fun. I didn’t expect that ending or how she handled things. Then, in Father’s Day, there was a lot of raw emotion, along with a scenario that completely surprised me. These short stories were hard to stop reading. I had planned on going through the book at a leisurely pace, but found I needed to read just one more story. I highly recommend “Things Old and Forgotten.”
Word Weaving #1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse
by Colleen M. Chesebro (Author), Jules Paige (Editor)
Word Weaving is a journal created by Colleen M. Chesebro and Jules Paige with chosen contributions from many poets who submitted their poetry. There is a wide variety of formats used within Japanese and American syllabic poetry. The theme of the book was autumn moons, and the poems were grouped together by type. I found once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. It’s an amazing array of talent, so I couldn’t pick or share my favorite lines because there were just too many to choose from. If you love poetry, I highly recommend this collection. I plan to add the paperback to my bookshelf so I can enjoy reading it again.
The SEAL’s Temptation(Wounded Hearts #7)
Maggie’s story continues as she recovers from PTSD at Frank’s ranch with her ex-partner, boss, an ex-seal, and wife. There is the budding relationship between Frank and Maggie and the past bond with her partner, Adam, which I enjoyed, along with the missing cows. Then, a man living near the ranch who was recently released from prison added excitement to the story, along with familiar characters from previous books who dealt with their issues back in Tidal Falls. I loved the story, had more than one perspective, and how well it all blended. The characters are well-rounded, and the setting made me feel like I was there with them at the ranch. Although I have gotten attached to all the characters, Maggie has become my favorite. I can’t wait to read Wounded Hearts #8 and see what happens next. I highly recommend this book and the series.
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
Great reviews. Thanks for sharing, Denise 💕🙂
Thanks, Harmony, I’m happy to 🙂
Thanks for sharing such thoughtful reviews, Denise. Best wishes to all the authors.
Thank you, Staci 🙂 Happy to share !
Excellent reviews, Denise!
Thank, Joan!
Wonderful reviews. Thanks for sharing them.
Thank you, Craig 🙂
Fantastic reviews. Denise. I loved Mae’s book and Miss Lily’s Wish was one of my favorites. I also loved The Seal’s Temptation! All great characters. The Moons of Autumn is on my TBR list. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks, Jan 🙂 Miss Lily was special. I could easily see her on the big screen. Wounded Warriors was a great series and I’m so glad I got to read it. You will enjoy The Moons of Autumn, I’m sure 🙂
Three awesome reviews, Denise. I enjoyed all three 5-star reads too. Congrats to Mae, Colleen, and Jacquie on the wonderful reviews.
Thanks, Diana 🙂 They were all awesome reads that I hope find new readers. Our tastes in reading are similar 🙂
Thank you so much Denise, for your lovely review of Word Weaving, The Moons of Autumn. This was a labor of pure love and a way to support our growing poetic community. I can’t wait to host our first poetry contest with the royalties earned from the sale of this journal! ❤️🙏🏻
I was thrilled to be a part of it and such a great boost for our poetic community, thank you. I look forward to the contest and all the upcoming poetry . Xo
Thanks so much. You’re support is amazing. ❤️
Amazing reviews and authors, Denise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Thank you, John 🙂
😊
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing them! 💗
Thank you, Gwen. I love sharing all the great reads!
Mae and Jacquie are amazing authors and I loved Moons of Autumn, especially a particular verse about a black cat. Wink. Wink.
Thanks for featuring this plethora of talent.
scoxoxo
I certainly agree, Sandra, they are! You can’t go wrong when writing about a black cat 🙂 xoxxo
True:) But you do it with an amazing amount of delicacy and magic.
scoxoxo
Thank you, Sandra. I have two of them that give me a nudge.
I’ve read Jacquie and Mae’s–both great!
They are definitely great reads 🙂 Thanks, Jacqui!
Fantastic reviews, Denise. I am nearing the end of Mae’s Things Old and Forgotten. A most excellent collection of short stories.
Thanks, Beem 🙂 It’s definitely an excellent collection of short stories.
Thanks for the wonderful review, Denise! I loved Mae’s collection, as well- she’s a born storyteller 🙂
She definitely is a born story teller and so are you! xo
And you! We have a mutual admiration society, lol
Three fabulous reviews! I don’t often read poetry books, but I did read Word Weaving #1. I was surprised at how meditative it is, awesome read!
Thanks, Priscilla! There is something meditative about writing and reading symbolic poetry, I’ve fallen in love with it.
Thank you for these wonderful reviews. I have enjoyed two of these books and have Colleen’s poetry anthology on my TBR.
All good reads to enjoy, Robbie. I’m sure will enjoy the poetry, it was such a great subject to work with.