November Book Reviews, Part 3! @stacitroilo @teagangeneviene #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustreads

Type and Cross (Cathedral Lake #1)

by Staci Troilo

“Type and Cross” is a well-told family drama. Dr. Royce Keller finds a loved one as a patient in his ER. It tore my heart out reading what happened next. Then what follows is because of a secret that was held on to for eighteen years. How Royce’s family dealt with what followed that moment in the ER was heartbreaking and hopeful as it forced the family to grow and learn. I appreciated seeing the world through both Royce and his wife, Vanessa, eyes, and how they began to take some responsibility for not only their past mistakes but their current ones. This book kept me up late at night, and I would make time to read it throughout the day — it was that compelling of a read. When one issue seems to be solved, another is poured upon this family. Meeting the grandparents gave insight into where some of this dysfunction came from. Plus, there is a mystery weaved into the story with a surprising outcome. Every baby step forward, I cheered this family on, and other times I was sad with them. A story I can easily recommend, and I can’t wait to read more in this series.

Footprints in the Snow

By Staci Troilo

This quick read explains why Ben used to love Christmas, but this year he is alone. I was immediately curious why and what his mistake was. This story is full of emotion that pulled me right in. I wanted to know more. So, I jumped right into the first book of the Cathedral Series right after I finished this. “Footprints in the Snow” can be a stand-alone read or read as part of the series. There is some information in this story that you don’t know going into the first Cathedral book, “Type and Cross.” I didn’t mind knowing, but if you like to be surprised, then read this after “Type and Cross.” A short story I recommend.

Dead of Winter: Journey 10, Pergesca 

by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

“Pergesca” continues the journey with Emlyn. She is growing into a powerful young woman that is finally learning to trust herself after being raised not to be heard. She runs into challenges to conquer, and sometimes help comes from unexpected places. A lot went on in this journey, and I don’t want to give anything away, but a certain character’s death was hard-hitting to not only read but for Emlyn. I felt it was necessary for the story, though. I love Zasha, Emlyn, and Osabide as the three and how they work with each other. The place, Pergesca, offers more questions to be answered after some things are resolved. I’m eager to see what happens to Emlyn and her friends, as things seem to come to a critical point. As the story stands now, it’s hard to tell who to trust. A fantastic read, but I recommend you read this journey from the beginning, so you don’t miss out on anything.

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!

Note: If you are subscribed to my newsletter it went out early. Next week I’m sharing my holiday short story, “The Bike.” It came from a vivid dream I had.

Embrace that inner child by reading a good book! Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it in the US. D. L. Finn

38 thoughts on “November Book Reviews, Part 3! @stacitroilo @teagangeneviene #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustreads”

  3. Fabulous reviews, Denise! I want to read the Cathedral series, but will take your advice on the short story. I skipped your review on Dead of Winter as I am not quite to #10 yet. 🙂 Thank you for sharing, and congrats to Staci!

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    1. Thanks, Jan 🙂 The Cathedral stories are both great reads, I know you will enjoy them. I can’t wait to finish the series. Good idea to skip the Journey review, I try not to give anything away but I might without trying.

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    1. Thanks, Sandra 🙂 They are all fabulous reads and I agree, great covers! I’ve had a couple of dreams that led to stories, it’s rare but I get it down when it happens.

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  7. This was such a lovely surprise, Denise. Thank you so much. And to be reviewed at the same time as Teagan is a true pleasure. I’m honored to be in her company.

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    2. I’m happy to share your wonderful books here, Staci. You are both amazing story tellers. Xo

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  8. A story from a vivid dream? I’m already on the hook, Denise.
    Staci’s stories sound amazing as always. Thanks for the order tip though, because I do like to read/watch series in sequence. Wishing her continued success.

    Heartfelt thanks for featuring another “Journey” here. You’ve made my holiday week with your beautifully done review. I’m sharing far and wide. 😀 <3 Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing!

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    2. I was worried I wouldn’t come up with a holiday short story and then came the dream. Hope you enjoy it! I’ve found you can’t go wrong reading anything by Staci or you! Xo Hugs back and thanks for all the sharing.

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  11. Denise, thank you for sharing these three excellent and detailed reviews – I love how you’ve included your personal reaction to the books! All three sound compelling, intriguing! Congratulations to Staci and Teagan!

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    1. I’m sure you will enjoy Staci’s book as well as Teagan’s continued journey. I hope you enjoy all your reads 🙂

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  14. Great reviews, Denise. Some excellent teasers for Staci’s series. I look forward to reading it after I finish her sci-fi. And I haven’t read Teagan’s Journey 10 yet, but will. My kindle is getting a little chunky so hopefully December will trim it down a bit. Congrats to the authors on the wonderful reviews.

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    1. I know about chunky Kindles:) I’m always hoping to trim mine down. You have some good reading ahead.

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