Aster is the necromancer’s daughter. She and her queen-mother die when Aster is born. The healer, Barus, sees the baby and steals her away to bring her back to life. The king stays in the background but watches as the healer raises this girl as his own because he knows no one would accept a child brought back to life. When the King finally approaches Aster, his only heir, he triggers his enemies to act, who upends her peaceful life as a healer. Determined to set things right and help Barus, Aster sets off to find help. I love the people she meets along her journey, especially when she crosses the mountain. The son of her enemy is a very complex character. Although he helps her more than once, his upbringing and devotion to the Blessed One aren’t too far behind and weigh him down. Aster shows what genuine goodness is over those who use it to seek power. Even if Aster’s actions aren’t popular, her innocence and ability to do the right thing guide her through some dark times. This is a fantasy filled with magic, danger, love, loyalty, fantastic imagery, and dragons that I can highly recommend.
After a horrible crash that killed three adults and an unborn baby, Scott tries to regain his life. He has money and fame but lost a best friend and sister. Needing closure, he goes to see the bodies but runs into the Medical Examiner, Tracy, and a badly hurt dog. This throws them together while someone seems determined to add to the body count. On the other side is Scott’s best friend, Lucas, who is now an angel and is placed with a surly partner to help people. Lucas was the driver and carried the guilt of being responsible for the accident, but he also has depth and humor mixed in. He doesn’t understand what is required from him as he navigates this afterworld. I felt for all characters’ loss and appreciated the wit weaved into it. There is redemption and learning for these characters, plus some needed justice and forgiveness. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next. A fast-paced paranormal romance with second chances I can easily recommend.
By Sandra Cox
Amulets #1 followed Maureen and her journey, “Rose Quartz,” focuses on her new friend, Bella. Back home, Bella quickly finds out that the killer being in jail doesn’t keep her or her amulet safe. She’s a painter gifted with beauty and creativity from her stones and has the help of Maureen’s ranch hand, Hank. He is the ultimate cowboy she is trying not to fall for but is used to using her charms and looks to get what she wants, which doesn’t go over well with him. Bella is a fun character who quickly discovers she can’t take on a madman alone. This leads her back to old friends she desperately needs and the introduction to another woman gifted with an amulet. I love the relationship developing between Hank and Bella and was rooting for them to work it out. This series is not only about the women wearing the amulets but a strong group of friends that look out for each other, especially when a madman is determined to be a god. Another fun read with love, magic, friendship, and danger perfectly mixed in for those who enjoy a paranormal romance.
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 to leave a review in that case. Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
UPDATES
- I ‘ve been hosting many great new releases in the past couple of weeks. Watch for one this week that you don’t want to miss!
- I will be sending out my September Newsletter on the 20th. If you are subcribed watch for it in your email. I have a brand new book of the month you don’t want to miss. I read a lot and love sharing some of those great reads. My picks are booked until the until end of 2023 .
- My “Books That Changed Me” goes out on the 22nd or first day of fall. That will post here. These are books that have stayed with me after reading them. You’ve already seen the reviews here but they are well worth a second share. If you have missed any of the past posts, I have them here on my site so you can catch up and maybe find a great new read! This is the closest you will get to my picks for books of the year.
- The air has been hazardous on and off here. Makes it hard to think or function sometimes, even if I stay indoors with my air purifers running. So, sometimes I can’t write or do the things I want to like visit blogs, not because I don’t want to but it’s hard to focus. Luckily the fires haven’t come our way so far. I’m looking forward to the predicted rain the next couple of days. I hope it keeps coming and we can end this fire year early, instead of November. You’d think this would be normal for me after 32 years living in the forest, but the worries have ramped up the last few years. Hopefully the drought will take a nice long break.
- And I’m feeling much better. Although, I am helping out some family members that requires more of my time, but glad I am able to do it.
Embrace your inner child by reading an enchanting story! D. L. Finn
I loved The Necromancer’s Daughter and The Guardian. I haven’t read Rose Quartz, but I just finished Sandra’s latest and if that’s any indication, I’m sure Rose Quartz is also a delight. Three excellent reviews for three excellent authors. Thanks for sharing, Denise. (And I’ll be praying for an early end to fire season, too.)
Thank you, Staci:) How lovely to hear.
Thank you, Staci 🙂 You can’t go wrong with any of Sandra’s books, or Diana or Jacquie either! Appreciate the prayers. Twenty eight years ago today when my son was born it started raining and didn’t stop. We got 100 inches that years. Hoping for another year just like that. Xo
Happy birthday to your son!
Thank you 🙂
Happy belated birthday to your young man!
Thanks, Staci. <3
Thank you, Staci! I love your books, too 🙂
Aww. Thanks, Jacquie. 💕
Sharing to help spread the word about these three books! (I hope the fires end quickly for you.)
Thanks for spreading the word, Liz. Much appreciated.
You’re welcome, Sandra.
Thank you, Liz 🙂 I appreciate you spreading the word. Fingers crossed the fires end quickly. Xo
You’re welcome, Denise.
Thanks for sharing, Liz!
You’re welcome, Diana!
Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Jacquie!
Wonderful group of temptations.
What a lovely comment. Thanks, Craig.
Thanks, Craig 🙂 Certainly can’t go wrong with any of them.
Congratulations to Sandra, Jacquie, and Diana on these great reviews. I loved The Necromancer’s Daughter and will have to take a look at The Guardian and Rose Quartz.
I hope the fire season ends early without too much danger or disruption.
Have a good week, Denise, and thanks for sharing your reviews! 💕🙂
I loved Necromancer’s Daughter too:)
<3 <3 <3
Thank you, Harmony 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of these authors. Fingers crossed that fire season doesn’t hang around into the holidays. I am enjoying some wonderful rain right now. Have a great week too. Xo
Thanks, Harmony. Denise wrote wonderful reviews all around!
Appreciate your interest, Harmony, thanks.
What a lovely surprise, Denise. Thank you;) And I’m in such great company. I’m a fan of Diana and Jacquie’s writing. I loved Necromancer’s Daughter and now I’m intrigued by The Guardian. It’s going on my TBR list.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with that nasty smoke:(
scoxoxox
I have a feeling you will enjoy The Guardian, Sandra 🙂 I’m a fan of all three of you!
Thank you, that smoke is quite nasty to deal with. Enjoying some rain and nice fresh air. It has stopped the fires progress and maybe help them get it under control finally. Xoxoxo
Congrats on the wonderful review from Denise, Sandra. I have to read Geller’s Find first, but then I know what will be next. 🙂
Diana, There ya go making me smile:)
Yay, thank you, Sandra!
Can’t wait to read this one:)
I hope you get a long, nourishing rain, Denise. Great reviews, and my, what a gorgeous book cover for Rose Quartz!
Thank you, Priscilla:) I am enjoying the healing rain. I hope it keeps coming. Isn’t that new cover for Rose Quartz so pretty.
What a great collection of reads, Denise. These are all authors I would read.
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 You can’t go wrong with any of these authors.
I have my copy of The Necromancer’s Daughter and I can’t wait to read it. I’ll put the others on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing your great reviews, Denise! Congrats to the authors!🥰
I’m sure you will enjoy not only Necromancer’s Daughter any you add to your reading list, Vashti 🙂 Happy reading!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Vashti. Hope you’re feeling well. <3
Thank you, Vashti!
Thanks for adding to your TBR, Vashti;)
These are wonderful reviews, Denise. I loved The Necromancer’s Daughter! Great story. The other two books are intriguing and I’m adding them to my humongous TBR pile. 🙂 One can never have too many books, I look forward to your upcoming posts and hope the air clears completely along with the fire danger.
Thank you, Jan 🙂 It really was a great story. No, one can never have too many books to read, I agree! The air is nice and fresh with the current rain. The fire is 38 percent contained and hopefully they will get a handle on it soon. I’m looking forward to a year of rain, fingers crossed. Xo
Huge hugs for the boost, my friend. 🙂
The joys of electronic reading devices, the house foundation can handle the weight, lol
Thanks for adding to your humongous TBR pile, Jan:)
Thank you for the reviews, Denise. We had our first substantial rain in what seems like forever yesterday. Even on the coast, we get a lot of the smoke from the fires. It’s quite concerning how much longer the fire seasons have been in recent years.
Happy to share my good reads, Pete 🙂 This rain has been wonderful. I hope it doesn’t stop after this set of rainy days until November like the past couple of years. The longer fire seasons have sure taken their toll here, I agree.
Thanks so much for sharing your review of The Necromancer’s Daughter, Denise. And thanks for introducing me to Jaquie’s and Sandra’s books, neither of which I’ve read and will. They both sound wonderful. Glad to hear that you’re feeling better, and I hope the smoke clears soon. I can smell it in the air up here too. Thanks again for the wonderful reviews.
Happy to spread the word on your latest, Diana 🙂 Can’t go wrong with a story by, Sandra or Jacquie. Thank you! So wonderful to breath that fresh rain air. I hope it puts that fire out. It’s horrible what these fires have done to the western states air. Hopefully the rains will keep coming. Xo
Enjoy the rain. We aren’t expected to get any rain until 10/2, but the smoke isn’t bad today. The sky is blue with only a slight scent.
Thank you, Diana!
Thanks, Diana:) Appreciate ya;)
Hi Denise, thanks for the updates you included at the end of this post — and of course for these marvelous reviews. I missed Sandra’s first book in this series, but I’m very intrigued by the concept.
Congrats to Diana on this review, but also on a phenomenal book launch. I know she had been working hard on the launch all the way back to this June.
Jacquie’s work is always heart-stopping. I’m looking forward to this one.
Hugs on the wing.
Thank you, Teagan 🙂 Sandra has a fun concept with this series. Diana did a great launch, I agree, and it was a great read too. I believe you will enjoy Jacquie’s story. Happy reading!
Thanks for the lovely comment, Teagan. I loved Denise’s review. Too kind!
Thanks for your awesome support, Teagan {{hugs}}
Thanks for the kind comment, Teagan.
I enjoyed The Necromancer’s Daughter and The Guardian, and I’ve read a number of Sandra’s books and know she always delivers. I’m planning on starting her latest tonight.
Congratulations to Diana, Jacquie, and Sandra on the great reviews.
I hope you get that much needed rain, Denise. Sending positive thoughts your way!
Thank you, Mae 🙂 Yes, they were all great reads. I’m sure you will enjoy Sandra’s latest too. I appreciate the positive thoughts that the rain continues. Xo
Thanks, Mae <3
Thank you, Mae. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Sandra’s story- so good!
Yay:) Hope you enjoy, Mae.
Great reviews, Denise. I’m reading The Necromancer’s Daughter right now and loving it.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 It’s such a great read.
Thanks for the smile, Joan <3.
The Necromancer’s Daughter is another gem in the treasure house of Diana. I’ve read many of Sandra’s books but not this one. Thanks for the nudge Denise. Jacquie’s book is on my wishlist.
It sure is, Balroop! Glad to share one you haven’t read yet. I’m always searching for those. I think you’ll enjoy Jacquie’s book too!
Thanks, Balroop. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the story!
Thank you, Balroop!
Looks like three delicious reads. I’m almost finished Diana’s addictive book and added the other two now to my wish list. Congrats to Jacquie, Sandra and Diana, and great reviews Denise <3
Thank you, Debby. I hope you enjoy the story whenever you get the time to give it a try {{hugs}}
Hugs Jacquie <3
What a wonderful surprise to return to the blogs after the weekend and find this lovely post. Thanks for your amazing support and wonderful reviews, Denise, and for introducing me to another of Sandra’s awesome reads- I’m heading to Amazon to check it out right away!
I hope the smoke has dissapated. It was bad here for a few days, but it’s clear now- still no rain though. We’ve had .8 millilitres (next to nothing) in the last two months and still none in sight. Sending prayers you feel better soon.
Thanks, Jacquie:)
Glad to have you back, Jacquie. I always enjoy your stories and happily working my way through your catalog. I got this Sandra story through Kobo, I believe. We got an unusual 2 inches of rain last gew days. No smoke and fire half contained now. Then back into the 80s but enjoyed the cool spell. Thank you for prayers. Keeping you in mine. Hugs xo
Belated Happy to your son, Denise.xo
Thank you, Sandra xo