Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case
“Sparky of Bunker Hill” is a fun YA mystery set in 1932. Sparky is an 11-year-old homeless orphan who does what she needs to survive. On her birthday, when she just wants to enjoy her candy, she comes across a young girl’s dead body—everything changes for her. This finding pushes Sparky into hiding with an interesting cast of characters. I enjoyed her friendship with Bobbie and the new people in her life. It is a strange world she finds herself in while she is trying to clear her name. I was drawn into the 30s easily and Sparky’s stubborn strength. The characters were all unique, down to the stuffed cheetah and closet full of costumes. Sparky has some life lessons to learn along the way, including who to trust. A fast-paced read with some dark humor weaved in that older children and adults can both enjoy.
Dead of Winter: Journey 14, The Veil
I have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this fantastic journey. The first chapter not only pulled me in but offered a reminder of where this all started. I couldn’t put “The Veil” down and read it in one sitting to find out how it was concluded. I wasn’t disappointed either, but that’s all I’ll say since I don’t want to give anything away. There were a few surprises and some issues that I would have liked to have been solved differently but it needed to be the way it was written. This says a lot that I was wholly invested in the story and the outcome. As always, the settings pulled me in, and the good and evil characters kept me turning the pages. Emlyn found her place in a world that was in turmoil and I loved her continued growth. I’m glad there is the possibility of more to come, but still, the journey was resolved. I can highly recommend this journey, but suggest you start at the beginning.
Down Under Fantasy Realms: An Anthology By New Zealand and Australian Authors
by Wendy Scott, Belinda Mellor, Sue Perkins, Ashley Capes, Brett Adams, Kate Shaw, and Kirsty Anderson
“Down Under Fantasy Realms” is a wonderful introduction to a group of authors that includes excerpts, prequels, works in progress, and short stories in the fantasy genre. I was only familiar with one author, so this was a fun way to learn about new writers. I enjoyed many of the stories, and here are a few that stood out for me: “Vision-Maker” by Wendy Scott, “The Toad Lord” by Kirsty Anderson, and “Hands of a Healer” by Belinda Mellor. A unique collection that was well-written and full of magic, but also some darkness mixed in. Each story offered something different to suit a fantasy reader’s taste with a wide variety of creative imagination. If you are looking for a new fantasy author or want to be entertained, this is for you.
WANTED: Husband/Handyman: A Short Story
by Selma Martin
“Wanted” is a heartwarming story about new love. Grace is a pregnant widow with two young children, who put an ad in the newspaper for a husband/handyman. Tim answered the ad, and it’s apparent they have developed feelings for each other. I love the moments between not only Grace and Tim, but Tim and her children. His devotion to making her life easier is sweet. When the time comes, he is prepared to deliver her baby. I can easily see this as a book and would love to know what happens next to this couple. Beautifully written, just like Ms. Martin’s poetry, I was charmed by these characters.
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. Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
NOTE: I will be on vacation next week so there will be no post on July 18th. It’s my birthday week and I will be celebrating all week long. One of those milestone ones where I come complete circle back to the year I was born, the water tiger. Besides turning sixty this was the first time they walked on the moon in 1969 on July 20th. No idea what I’m doing but will see where the wind takes me.
Embrace your inner child—read a book! D. L. Finn
Great reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 xo
Four nice reviews, Denise! Happy birthday.:-)
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 Should be a fun week.
You’ve certainly stayed busy. Thanks for sharing these.
Always, Craig, thank you 🙂
You have been busy…reading! A great way to fill your days. Thank you for the reviews.
Thank you, Karen 🙂 Reading has sure been a priority lately!
Thanks. This is so sweet of you. Bless you. 🤗 🤗 🤗
You are welcome, Selma. Hugs xo
Good reviews. I am drawn to Sparky–love spunky kids who refuse to recognize adversity. And of course–the husband/handyman. Cute.
I’m with you, Jacqui, I love spunky kids and a good love interest too!
Fabulous reviews Denise! Thanks for sharing and wishing you a wonderful birthday week. have fun!
Thank you, Balroop 🙂 Lots of fun plans!
Terrific reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, John 🙂
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you, Joan 🙂 Happy to share those good reads! xo
Water tiger! Now that’s a zodiac year to be proud of, Denise. (I’m stuck with the year of the pig…) Happy birthday in advance. Go ahead and start celebrating now. 😀
Thanks for all these reviews — everyone else was new to me, so I have great reading ahead.
Heartfelt thanks for being part of the Journeys of “Dead of Winter”. Thanks for what you said about the ending needing to be the way it was written. I put huge effort, care, and thought into writing an ending that was right for the story, covering all the threads. Hugs on the wing.
Thank you, Teagan 🙂 I share the tiger with my oldest granddaughter and the celebrations have already started. My hubby is a pig too so I’m very fond of that year…good people! Your efforts on the series and ending were worth it. Well done. All good reads you can’t go wrong. Hugs xo
Great recommendations Denise thank you.. always good to have a stock up of summer reading.. hugsx
Thank you, Sally 🙂 Yes, nothing like a good summer read xo
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books, Denise, and here’s wishing you the BEST birthday, EVER!! Enjoy your week off, and marking a milestone or two. Most of all, have fun doing your favorite things. Happy Birthday! 😊❤️😊
Thank you, Marcia 🙂 I’m getting ready for that week. Celebrations have already started. Xo
Wonderful reviews Denise. YA or fantasy isn’t really in my wheelhouse of reading, but love the short story by Selma, which I will check out. Happy vacation and Happy upcoming Birthday to you!!! Hugs xx
I do read fantasy and paranormal stories, but also many other genres 🙂 It was a fun one. Thank you, looking forward to some fun time. xo
Hugs xx
Hi Denise, a lovely selection of reads and reviews. Enjoy your reviews.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂