by Alex Craigie
“Someone Close to Home” is a powerful read that I had difficulty putting down. Megan suffers a stroke and is placed in a lower-end care facility whose priority is making money over patient care. Unable to move or communicate, she is at the mercy of the staff, some of which are cruel. The story is told in Megan’s current time frame and her past. It takes us into a life of a successful pianist, a controlling mother and shows how she ended up alone in horrible conditions. The subjects of eldercare and abusive relationships were handled well and had me rooting for Megan throughout her life. The narrative was told in the first person, and it was like I was sitting next to someone telling me about their life. This is a fast-paced story that tugged at my heart. I couldn’t help but admire Megan’s strength, even with all the poor decisions she made throughout her life. There were moments of self-sacrifice and then, thankfully, a bit of blissful peace for her. This is a well-written story, brimming with emotions, that I highly recommend.
Dead of Winter: Journey 13, The Harbor
Another great journey where the ongoing growth of Emlyn is fascinating to observe as the world fights for survival. The battle is in full swing, with people fighting while a few watches in a mirror. I love the dragon has returned, although unable to help as he wanted to. The addition of the unpredictable goddesses and what the binding spell could do, adds to the tension as they fight Arawn’s overwhelming army. The ships, weapons, and little details bring this all to life. I don’t want to say too much and make this a spoiler. I can’t wait for the last installment of a story that has held me captive for the entire journey.
Chocolate Fudge Saves the Sugar Dog
“Chocolate Fudge Saves the Sugar Dog” is a sweet story told poetically about a young boy who must decide what to do when a dog is drowning in the chocolate pond. There is not only a story that will keep young readers interested, but great fondant pictures and recipes. I bought this book for my youngest grandkids, and it was a pleasure to sit down with them and read it. The children, five and six years old, completely enjoyed the story. Plus, they requested we try to make one of the included recipes, the Oreo cupcakes. The oldest decided that the author must be extremely talented by making such beautiful fondants. I agree! Another great addition to my grandchildren’s bookshelf.
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 great indie book! D. L. Finn
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing and congrats to the authors. Have a wonderful week, everyone 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony:) Hope your week is wonderful too.
Great reviews, Denise! I have a couple of reviews I need to sit down and write. Thanks for reminding me. Lol!
Thanks, Yvette 🙂 I look forward to reading your reviews!
Great reviews, Denise. I’m reading one of Alex’s books now. Hated to put it down last night, but I had to get some sleep.
Oreo cupcakes? Sounds delicious!
Thanks, Joan 🙂 I know what you mean about needing sleeping, but some books make that so difficult. They do sound yummy and are on our list to things to do, hopefully this week.
Fun reviews, Denise. I also had a chance to read Teagan’s Journey 13. I practically cheered when the dragon returned! (Because everyone knows dragons are cool.)
Thanks, Priscilla 🙂 I’m with you dragons are cool. I was just discussing yesterday with my grandson about how we wanted our own dragon and they definitely exist in another dimension ..waiting for us.
Priscilla, you gave me a huge smile about the dragon. When I wrote the epic, ten years ago, I resisted so very hard about adding a dragon. I felt dragons had been over-done in fantasy. But dang-it, he just refused to stay out of the story. There will be more about Thyrus the Listener in the final Journey, along with some thoughts for the reader to continue that part of the story in their imaginations. Hugs on the wing.
Sounds like you really enjoyed these. Thanks for sharing them with us.
I sure did, Craig 🙂 Great reads!
Wonderful reviews across the board. Congratulations to the authors.
And I love that your grandkids were interested in trying the recipes in Robbie and Michael’s book. I look forward to the day when I can do that with my grandkid(s).
Thanks, Staci 🙂 It is a lot of fun when they want to help Memaw bake. You can sure bond in the kitchen creating fun things to eat. You will be doing this before you know it
Congratulations to Alex, Teagan, Robbie and Michael on the great reviews. Sounds like you really enjoyed all of these, Denise!
Thanks, Mae 🙂 I really did enjoy this group of books
Thanks, Mae. Denise always makes my week. She’s a cherished part of the Journeys. Hugs on the wing.
Super reviews and authors, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, John 🙂 They were a great selection to read.
😁
What wonderful reviews, Denise. I have Journey #13 waiting for me, so skimmed over your review. 🙂 Alex’s book sounds like a compelling heart-tugging read and Robbie always entertains with her Sir Chocolate books. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I know you will enjoy Journey 13, I’m eager to see how it all ends. Alex’s book is definitely a heart-tugging read. Never been disappointed with the Sir Chocolate stories. Happy reading!
Thanks, Jan. You’re a cherished part of the Journeys. Don’t worry — Denise didn’t give any spoilers. And there are not any in the snippet at my blog today either (although that is from Journey 12). Have a beautiful week. Hugs on the wing!
Congratulations to all of these fine authors. Super reviews, Denise! Wishing everyone huge success with these books, and can’t wait to read them, myself! 😀 <3
Thanks, Marcia 🙂 You can’t go wrong reading any of these books!
Good reviews. Someone Close to Home is heartbreaking. My husband and I have actually talked about that topic. First to go will be the lucky one!
Thanks, Jacqui. We’ve had the same conversation. Since I’ve been involved in care taking of relatives, I dread this happening. The story really tugged on my fears.
Lovely reviews Denise. I’ve read Someone Close to Home, a gripping account of Megan and your reviews captures the core of the book. I have started reading the journeys of Teagan, just finished the second one. 😊
Thanks, Balroop 🙂 It is an emotional journey with Megan. The story held me captive. You have some great reading ahead with Teagan’s Journeys! Happy reading!
Dear Balroop — thank you and welcome to the Journeys! <3 Journey 3 will always be one of my personal favorites, because it resonates with a turning point in my own life — one of those times one looks back on and thinks "If only I had done this rather than what I did." I hope you love every installment. Hugs on the wing!
Eldercare can be such a nightmare. Scares the bejesus out of me.
I feel the same way, after what I’ve seen. Xo
Great reviews, Denise. Someone Close to Home was the first book I read of Alex’s and also thought it was gripping. I’m waiting for the final installment of Dead of Winter and plan to read Journeys 13&14 back to back. Can’t wait. And wonderful review of Robbie’s kid’s book. She is incredibly creative. Thanks for the reviews!
Diana, thank you for being part of the Journeys. It means a lot to me. <3 Now, back to work on the conclusion! Have a wonderful week. Hugs on the wing!
Happy Writing, my friend. <3
Diana, I’m so glad you’ve been a consistent part of the Journeys. <3 It means a lot to me. I hope you'll love the final parts. Hugs on the wing!
Sorry for the repeat… My comments suddenly stopped showing up. Next novel will have WordPress Gremlins as the psycho villain.
Lol
I can’t wait. 😀
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I have some catching up to do!
Hi Denise, what a lovely surprise to find your review of my latest Sir Chocolate book here. I am always thrilled when children enjoy those books and the recipes. I am looking forward to reading more by Alex Craigie as I enjoyed her first novel very much and Teagan never fails to delight.
I just read your book, again, to the granddaughters tonight. They love the story and yummy recipes. I want to read more by Alex Craigie l, and I’m never disappointed with anything Teagan writes.
Thanks so much Robbie. Wishing you huge success with this one and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships” too. Hugs on the wing!
Denise, you gem! I’m so glad that you have stayed with the Journeys. When you said you were captive, I laughed, seeing myself as Snidely Whiplash giving a gleeful evil laugh. LOL.
Thanks for these other reviews. Alex’s story is chillingly real. For me with my disabilities it was particularly frightening and easy to put myself in the woman’s place, since I sometimes feel I’m a prisoner to my “issues.” She shines a light on important subjects. I’ve also posted my review on Goodreads, and you inspired me to take time to do so.
Robbie as always is brilliant in her creations. She’s so dynamic.
Hugs on the wing!
https://youtu.be/VpppUn960i8?t=7
I have always enjoyed Snidely Whiplashs evil laugh 🙂 lol I have always been afraid of being in a condition and not being able to speak up for myself. Alex wrote that so well. Robbie is very dyanmic, I agree. Hugs right back.