The Darkness of Placata Montis
by DLM Johnson
“The Darkness of Placata Montis” is the debut romantic fantasy from DLM Johnson. I had the privilege to beta read and help format it, but was eager to dive into it as “just” a reader. I was drawn right into the dark and stormy night with a young woman, Eliana or Li, who ends up at a front door of an unknown house hoping to escape what is chasing her. The man, Graham, takes her into safety and information unfolds as to not only who he is, but Eliana. As what is called The Darkness threatens them, we are shown not only Eliana and Graham’s feelings and stories but taken on a journey to find out what this darkness is, and what it means to them and their world’s magic. Told through Eliana and Graham’s POV, it gives an insight into their motives. Eliana can see more than what is in front of her, so there are flashbacks that add to the story. I could easily imagine the setting and seeing the world through not only a fighter, but a scientist’s eyes. When the battle comes and questions are answered, it was hard to put the book down. I have to add, I am a proud author-mom, and my opinion might seem a bit biased, but I’m also a reader who knows what I like, and this is a story that I can recommend! I look forward to the next book in this series and other books to come.
by Sandra Cox
“Miss Redmond’s Deception” is a fun historical fiction read. Pembra and her sisters run into Captain Richard Greyston in a graveyard. I love how this scene played out. Richard believes the younger sisters to be accompanied by a spinster governess, or Pembra. Circumstances have the captain staying at the house where Pembra continues her deception from the night before the next morning at breakfast. Yet, in a fun twist, they end up fake engaged. Their attraction is immediate, even though Pembra is determined to fight it, and their banter is a lot of fun. Richard has a reputation with the ladies and Pembra wants no part of a man like that. Pembra is a strong character who lives her life as she wants, while Richard is equally stubborn, but knows what he wants, too. There is a charming country setting, a local man with bad intentions, and a sweet and protective rescue dog that added even more depth to the story. A quick-paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Polish Your Prose
by Harmony Kent
“Polish Your Prose” is a reference guide that every writer needs. This doesn’t tell you how to write but how to clean up what you’ve written. There are three parts, and it’s laid out so you can locate the information needed. Many topics are covered, including these chapters, Show no Tell, Filter Words, Sentence Construction, and Common Spelling Mistakes. Part three talks about on giving and receiving reviews and offers a checklist for editing. This is simple and easy to follow with plenty of guidance to help when doing the dreaded edit of your book. I have a copy sitting on my shelf for easy access and reminders of things I need to work on. I can easily recommend this book.
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!
UPDATE
We had a quiet and relaxing vacation. We stayed close to home and enjoyed our grandson’s 8th grade graduation, our son visiting from Oregon, our oldest granddaughter’s 12th birthday and our 39th Wedding Anniversary to start off the week. We also took a day trip to Reno for a late anniversary celebration. I did win a bit on a Leprecaun Slot Machine that called to me—well enough to cover the gas.
With these highs came a low, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Sara on our anniversary. We were lucky to have her for thirteen and half years, but it was time to let her go to run in the forest with Hermie, who we lost three years ago. I know they are chasing bears and watching over us.
I don’t think I will try to catch up with all the things I missed last week, but I am back now. This will be a very busy week. I have a full schedule for the blog tour starting today and my Newsletter is out. Plus, there is a Books That Changed Me Summer Edition tomorrow. I will keep you updated here with the tour 🙂
One more thing, I was thrilled to come back to those great reviews for A Voice in the Silence. It uplifted my spirits!! Thank you all xo
Embrace your inner child with a huge hug by reading a great book! D. L. Finn
So sorry to hear about Sara. Fantastic reviews given and received is always good news Denise. 🙂
Thank you, Marje. It is always a good feeling for all of us when a story is well received. Thanks for your support!
Thank you for sharing about your vacation and anniversary, wonderful book reviews, and the loss of Sara. I have your newest book but have not yet started it.
It been a period of ups and downs. I appreciated being able to settle into it all over the last several days. Thank you, Karen. I hope you enjoy reading it. Xo
So pleased you had a good vacation. Sorry about Sara, and sending hugs. Thanks for your wonderful review of Polish Your Prose. That’s a lovely surprise this morning!
Great reviews, Denise. Congrats to all the authors! Have a wonderful week. Hugs 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony. I enjoyed the break but glad to be back. I appreciate the hugs, she will be missed. Happy to it was good surprise for you and hope it gets the readers it deserves. Have a great week too, hugs back xo
Nice selection, Denise. Welcome back! Glad you had a wonderful vacation.
Thank you, Joan. It was a fun and varied selection of reading. It was a much needed break but glad to be back.
Happy 39th anniversary! I’m sorry to hear about Sara, but it’s wonderful that you had so many years together.
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 Yes, you are very right we were lucky to have Sara for a lot of good years.
So sorry about Sara, but I’m very happy to hear about the rest of your time off.
Absolutely don’t try to catch up. You’ll undo all the relaxing you did.
Excellent reviews, Denise. My best to all the authors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And welcome back.
Thanks, Staci 💕🙂
Thank you, Staci 🙂 you make a very good point about undoing all the good captured relaxing on vacation. I admit to starting down the path of catch up a few times and managed to stop myself. If I’m tempted again, I will remember your advice! Xo
Congratulations to the authors. So sorry about the dog.
Thanks, Craig! 💕🙂
Thanks, Craig. She will be missed.
So sorry to hera about the loss of Sara. Our fur babies mean so much to us. Pleased to see all the good reviews of your latest book. Well done!
Thank you, Darlene, they are a part of our lives and family for sure. What a wonderful welcome back with positive reviews!
What a lovely way to start my day. Thank you. Loved DLM’s story and Harmony’s looks like a must have for any writer’s library.
Welcome back. Hugs on your loss. And many congrats on your anniversary. Take special care, my friend.
Thanks, Sandra! 💕🙂
Happy it started your day on a good note, Sandra 🙂 Glad you enjoyed Danielle’s story on many levels and yes, Harmony’s book is a good one for a Writer’s shelf. Thank you for all your wishes and daily support. Hugs xo
So sorry for your loss of Sara, Denise. We love out pets and it is always too soon to let them go. I hope your memories of her help you through this difficult time.
Thank you, John 🙂 This one was a tough one since she’s our last dog. Although we hate to let them go it was time for her next adventure and that brings me some peace. Yes the memories do get us through, I agree.
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I am so sorry about losing sweet Sara, but you are right, she is running through the forest now. You are right when you say you aren’t going to try and catch up from being gone. It’s too much. Just go forward. Thanks for sharing these reviews!
Thank you, Jan 🙂 It took me a little bit to find a peace in my words, but Imgetting there. I did find myself going to just one more blog before I realized I just couldn’t. So going forward is the best advice I could take!
Hi Denise you certainly had a busy week and I am so sorry about your dog. Thanks for all the great reviews, it’s great to see your daughter’s book here. Harmony’s non-fiction book sounds very useful.
Thanks, Robbie! 💕🙂