Faith inherited her grandparents’ cabin in the deep woods of Colorado after her grandfather’s passing. Her best friend, Hope, is staying with her there through the holidays. Faith had broken off her engagement to Josiah while he was away serving in the army and did not know he had returned home. Late one night, someone tries to break into the house, scaring them. Faith believes her grandfather’s death wasn’t an accident and may be connected to the break-in. A massive storm hits, and they end up with some interesting houseguests. “Tall Pines Sanctuary” is a Christian-based story that deals with love, family, and forgiveness. I liked that one resolution was resolved early in the story, but other answers were revealed at the end. There was a beautiful setting, a place I could imagine living, and caring friendships. The pet ferret quickly became a favorite. This was an entertaining story about relationships and a mystery to be solved for those who enjoy faith-based stories.
Crossroads Diner #205
By
“Crossroads Diner” is a quick read with a few surprises. Janie is a server in a small diner, and a storm rages outside. A cowboy enters and shows interest in her scars. Then he helps a young woman in trouble. At first, it seems like a tired woman will get the man of her dreams, but it veers off in a different direction. I love how this diner represents a crossroads. The conflict within Janie about why she’s there is never fully brought to light, leaving me curious. A clever story layered into a mysterious personal journey.
By C.W. Bigelow
“Fractured Reflections” is a collection of poetry that has been published in various outlets but is new to me. I appreciated how emotions, observations, and subjects were approached through the vivid use of images, including nature references. Here are a few of my favorites. “Skeletal trees, up to their knees in mighty snow mounds/gather in paralyzed, mute crowds of bleak shadows”—Cabin Fever in March. “while you gave/me a final blink/and somewhere,/leapt one last time”—A Leaping Dog. “Walking by chains of sturdy oak pews/through the inebriating scent of/Frankincense and Myrrh,/my footsteps echoed off the high ceilings.”—Confirmation. “sculpted flanks shimmering, flexing tightly/each elegant vault pumped with/magnificent potency – until”—Come November. “At first the petals cling to the vine in panic/before succumbing to the darkness,”—A Death Unattended. “Each arm, some scarred with leaves,/other’s bare/slithering, climbing, never ending/their struggle for the screened rays of winter sun.”—The Greenhouse. This is poetry that is meant to be read more than more, and I can easily recommend it.
“All That Was Taken” is a contemporary dramatic thriller. John craves a solitary life. He buys a cottage in a small coastal town that suits his quest for privacy. While it is getting worked on, he stays at a local inn and develops a friendship with the owner, Sunny. As they learn about the losses the other has suffered, it becomes apparent that someone is stalking each of them for different reasons. As the couple unravels their history, their past haunts them in unsettling ways. Although it takes John much longer to share his story, there are a couple of surprises that I couldn’t have guessed. I love how John and Sunny’s dogs take to each other as much as their masters do. Sunny has a supportive group around her, and the group is careful with each other’s feelings. There are many layers to this story, and some include cruel, controlling behavior. This is a unique story for those who enjoy a darker second chance.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews here! If I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it. It wouldn’t be fair to leave a review for an unfinished story, and life is too short not to enjoy my reading journey!
Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn
Thank you SO very much for reading and reviewing my newest book, Denise. I deeply appreciate your kindness! All very best wishes to you!
I enjoyed, Lisette, and so happy to share it 🙂 I hope you have a good week!
Wow, what a great collection of reviews, Denise. They all sound appealing! I’ve heard excellent things about Crossroads Diner, and I love the setting in Tall Pines Sanctuary. Congratulations to all the authors!
Thanks, Mae 🙂 Three of them were new to me, so that’s always fun.
These look like great reads. Congratulations to the authors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Denise 🙂💕
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 A little something for everyone!
Four fab reviews, Denise! The way you describe Crossroads Diner, it sounds like the perfect plot for a Hallmark movie!
Thanks, Priscilla:) Yes, I could see that.
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Wishing the authors all the best.
Thank you, Staci 🙂
HI Denise, another fabulous foursome. I am so pleased you also enjoyed Crossroads Diner, I thought it was very clever.
Thanks, Robbie:) It was clever, and the nudge from good reviews pushed it up my reading list.
Sounds like another great selection of temptations.
Thanks, Craig 🙂 So many temptations!
There are a few on this list that really grab me, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 It was fun reading some new authors to me.
A nice selection, Denise. I read Crossroads Diner, and have a couple of the others on my radar.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 I had to read Crossroads Diner after reading its good press!
Ooh a pet ferret. I like the story already:)
xo
A pet ferret. I like the story already:)
He was pretty cute! Xo
I haven’t read any of these, Denise. What a treat to have four books to choose from. They all sound good though Pamela’s book probably captured my imagination the most. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂 Congrats to all the authors!
Three were new to me so that was fun. Pamela’s story was pretty unique. Xo
I think I’ve read one of her books before (years ago) and really enjoyed it. It’s fun to read new authors once in a while.
Thank you for sharing your reviews, Denise! All 4 books sound like great reads! I especially like the sound of Tall Pines Sanctuary. That sounds like it’s right up my alley!
Thanks, Mar 🙂 They are all good in their own ways. Happy reading.
Great reviews, Denise! I loved Cross Roads Diner. It left me with a lot of thoughts. Thank you for sharing all of these!
Cross Roads dows leave you thinking, I agree. Happy to share them.
Lovely reviews, Denise. Congratulations to the authors.
Thank you, John 🙂
😊
Thank you for the great introduction of these books, Denise! Congratulations to the authors!
Happy to share them, Mark 🙂
The poetry in Fractured sounds lovely.
scoxox
It is 🙂 xo
Congratulations to all four authors on the excellent reviews! I’m particularly drawn to the cover and your review of Fractured Reflections.
Thanks, Liz. I think you will enjoy it.
Thanks for these intriguing reviews, Denise. Congratulations to all the authors. Hugs all around.
Happy to share my good reads, Teagan. Hugs back to you xo