Here are the books I read in March that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for an Amazon universal link.
Square Peg in a Round Hole: Poetry, Art & Creativity by Robbie Cheadle
By Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle
“Square Peg in a Round Hole” is not only a heartfelt collection of poetry, but offers amazing paintings, drawings, photos, and fondant creations. I read this as a fellow nature lover, someone concerned about our planet, and a mother. Seeing the majestic animals through the words and images was breathtaking, but it broke my heart to think of how they were abused for trophy hunting. I could relate to so much of the ‘feeling different’ and the ability to get past that feeling through the arts. Ms. Cheadle’s introduction to her world made me feel the pain but also the strength that shined brightly through. At the end was poetry from her son, Michael, who expressed his perspective so powerfully and eloquently. I marked many passages to share and couldn’t decide which would highlight the enormous reach of all the parts of this book. This is one to be read more than once, and I can highly recommend it.
Finding Me: An Estranged Sisters New Adult Romance Novel (The Defiant Sisters Duet Book 2)
“Finding Me” continues the story of Izzy, Renee, and Benjamin. Their father killed himself in the backyard years before and Renee left. Izzy stepped up and helped her mother and brother, putting all her dreams and youth on hold. When the mother passes, Renee finally comes home but not to a warm welcome. Both sisters continue to grow and learn, and it is easy to follow along through both of their perspectives. Renee finally sets her roots down at home but still has a long way to go with her relationship with her sister and boyfriend, Simon, while Izzy hangs on to her anger and grief, pushing everyone away. There is a brokenness that needs to be fixed on many levels, but also a dash of hope that is weaved so skillfully into this family story. I appreciated how Jay’s story slowly unfolded through his point of view. He quickly became a favorite character to root for, along with the sisters. There are some tough mental health topics covered, including suicide and self-harming, but it also shows how love can bring people together in unexpected ways. This was a book that was impossible to put down and I read it in one sitting. I’d love to see more from this family, especially the little brother, Benjamin. I highly recommend this.
Layken returns from fighting in World War ll and finds that his family’s farm is about to be foreclosed. After the bank turns down his loan extension request, Layken is presented with another option – to marry the unwanted and badly treated daughter of the bank man to get two years to catch up on the loan. At first, Layken refuses but then sees that he has no choice if he is to honor his parents and family that has lived on the land. A quick wedding leaves two strangers living together. This beautifully written story offers hope and second chances in grim situations. What shines through is the friendships that are developed and honored, especially between Sara Beth and Layken. I had a soft spot for Sara Beth’s bunny and the person who borrowed food from them. In the middle of selfishness, greed, and cruelty, we are reminded of the goodness in people too, including when neighbors show up to lend a helping hand. When things seem hopeless, there is always a small glimmer of light. The setting on the farm is lush. I could picture living there and smell that blackberry pie cooking. The story skillfully incorporated tarot card reading and music in a natural way that I love. I am eager to continue the story of the inhabitants of this small farm. I highly recommend this heartwarming story!
Infected: SFV-1 Series – BOOK ONE
By Terry Tyler
What starts as a wonderful family vacation and disconnect from the world, hits a rough patch when Lion’s wife heads back home. Still, the rest stay behind. Envigored, Lion leaves with his mother-in-law only to find that when they have been out of contact, everything has changed in the worst possible way. The story is set in the UK and is told by several POVs, including Cat, who isolates herself on an island for a year to win money on a reality show, and Norah, who tries to hide in her world of art. I am a fan of end-of-the-world scenarios, and this story had a “Walking Dead” flavor that I could appreciate. Survival has become more important than the internet and instant information everyone has grown used to. Exciting reading is created by learning how to avoid the virus-stricken people who only have the desire to eat, find food and safe shelter, and watch out for any uninfected person who intends to harm you. Plus, while these people try to find their loved ones and a bit of security, another point of view shows how and where this virus originated and spread. The story leaves readers hanging by introducing a new character and a hint of things to come. I was rooting for the characters, Lion and Norah quickly became my favorites. I will continue this apocalyptic journey with book two and can easily recommend this book.
By Mae Clair
Nicole lived ten years with the guilt of her younger sister’s suspected drowning under her care. She leaves town and everything she loves to start a new life until that day she gets a note that her sister Janie’s body has been found. This pushes Nicole back home to face all the people she left behind, including her mother, old boyfriend, and a killer. I love the growth of Nicole as she has to face her past and try to make some peace. Her determination to find her sister’s killer, along with the forgiveness that is given, had my heart. It’s the setting, though, that kept pulling me in deeper. The descriptions were incredibly vivid of the rat and mouse-infested shack Nicole crawled into. Not only did I want her to take a shower, but I wanted to as well. The story seamlessly presents two timelines and enables the reader to witness what happened to Janie. There is not only family drama, damaged relationships, and a ghost that may or may not be helping, but a mystery to be solved. I changed my mind more than once about who the killer was. A well-written mystery that was very hard to put down. I highly recommend this one!
NOTE: I have been quiet lately and have been focused on family, health, and editing. I won’t be back to my regular visits or blogs until April 24th.
The only exception is I am part of a blog tour for the release of “Poetry Treasures 4.” I’ll post the link of where I read one of my poems on April 8th over on “Writing to be Read.” I will also be hosting Patricia Furstenberg here on April 11th.
Embrace your inner child—read a good book! D. L. Finn
Many of these books are on my Kindle waiting to be read! And isn’t Terry Tyler a great writer. I’m reading one of her earlier books and I am so drawn in by the characters. Thanks for the great reviews.
You have some good reading ahead, Darlene 🙂 This was my first Terry Tyler read, but definitely not my last. I agree about the characters.
Thank you so much, both of you!! xx
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I’ve read four of the five and enjoyed each one. Congratulations to the writers, and a big thank you for showcasing their new releases! 😊
Thanks, Gwen 🙂 So many good reads, enjoying my reading this year. Xo
Wonderful reviews.
Thank you, Craig 🙂
Thanks for including The Keeping Place with these fab reviews, Denise. I truly appreciate it. Congrats to all the authors!
And I hope you’re making lots of progress with your editing! 🙂
I’m happy to share your great read, Mae 🙂 I’m getting there with editing, thanks! Xo
I am so honored to see your wonderful review for A Beggar’s Bargain here, Denise! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I have read Mae’s and Jacquie’s latest, and can highly recommend them both. I am reading Robbie’s latest poetry collection now and I find your review for Terry’s newest intriguing. Thank you so much for sharing!
It was a fantastic read, Jan. I can’t wait to read more! I loved Robbie’s collection, too. A good year for reading so far.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books, Denise. I’ve added them ALL to my TBR list! 😊❤️
Not sure why my comment isn’t showing up, but trying one more time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books, Denise. I’m adding them all to my TBR list.
Sometimes, it takes a while to show up, Marcia. I have no idea why, sorry! You have some great reading ahead xo
You were in my spam for some reason Marcia! Sorry 🙂
Read one already, reading another and have two on my Kindle. Great minds and all that….
Definitely great minds and great books 😉
Oops, I lost my comment, so if you get this twice, sorry!
Awesome reviews, Denise! Regarding the books I’ve read, I agree, awesome stories!
Are you editing a WIP? Good luck with your edits!
Thanks, Priscilla:) Yes, some awesome stores for sure. I am working on a WIP. Much appreciated xo
We love a lot of the same books. Nice list.
We definitely do, Jacqui 🙂
Nice reviews Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Balroop. Xo
Excellent reviews, Denise. My best to all.
Good luck on your edits, and prayers for health and well being.
Thank you, Staci:) Luck and prayers much appreciated xo
Excellent reviews, Denise. They sound like some great reads.
Thank you, Timothy:)
They are!
What good reading! Some of these are on my tbr. 😀
Very good reading, Kymber. You have some good ones on your tbr list 🙂
Excellent reviews, Denise. Congratulations to Mae, Terry, Jacquie, Robbie, and Jan
Thanks, John 🙂
😁
Such wonderful reviews, Denise – and I have all these on my Kindle. Congrats to all the authors!
Thanks, Teri 🙂 You have some great reading ahead!
What a great bunch of books, Denise. We were practically buddy reading in March, it seems. I haven’t read Terry’s book yet, but she’s a wonderful writer. The others were all winners. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and congrats to the authors. 🙂
Yes, definitely a great group, Diana 🙂 We do tend to read similar books.
🙂
Thank you, Diana. How kind and generous of you! x
Congratulations to the authors on the wonderful reviews! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thanks, Liz 🙂 I appreciate your support.
You’re welcome, Denise.
Excellent reviews, Denise! I have Mae’s and Robbie’s books on my Kindle. I love the story and the characters in Jacquie’s Finding Me.
Thank you, Miriam 🙂 I agree with wonderful characters in Finding Me. You have some good reading ahead.
This is a wonderful surprise, Denise, thank you! All of your reviews tempt me into spending money, lol. I hope you’re okay. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know {{hugs}}
All great reads, yours included! Hard not to root for this family 🙂 Thank you, much appreciated xo
You’ve written five wonderful reviews for these books. Four of the books I have not yet read but I’ve read “Square Peg in a Round Hole” and entirely agree with your assessment. It is a delightful collection of poetry, paintings, photos, fondant creations and short stories. You are right, Robbie is a naturalist who cares for our planet, which is a big plus. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks, Thomas. Yes, Robbie’s caring shines through in her work. All great reads you can’t go wrong with!
Great reviews, as always, Denise. I love all these authors! Thanks for sharing!!
Take care of you, friend. <3
Thanks, Mar 🙂 All great reads! Xo
What a great group, Denise! Thanks for your wonderful reviews. I have Robbie’s on my TBR, but the others look good too! xo
Thanjs, Lauren 🙂 You have some good reading ahead! Xo
Thanks for your insights, Denise. Life-changing books are wonderful. Congrats to all these marvelous authors. Hugs.
I agree about life changing books, Teagan. They add so much to our lives xo
Congratulations to all of these talented authors! I’ve read and reviewed Mae’s book and couldn’t agree with your review more, Denise. She had me guessing until the end. I hope all is well with you.
And another thank you, for including my book here, and being interested enough to read it in the first place! Reading the others, sometimes I think I should give up writing and just read! x
I’ve had that very same thought at times, too, Terry. I loved finding your writing world, though!
Looks like some good reading here, Denise. I devoured Mae’s and Jacquie’s and the others look amazing as well. scoxox
It is, Sandra 🙂 I agree books to devour! Xo
HI Denise, what a wonderful selection of books you’ve read this month. Thank you so much for including my poetry book and for you lovely praise of Michael’s work. It is very encouraging for him to read the reviews and comments.
It was a great reading month, yours included. Michael definitely was blessed with his mother’s talent!
Thank you, Denise 🙏
Some juicy reads here thanks Denise. I look forward to reading these books. I’m loving Terry’s SVF-1 series too. Hugs xx
Thanks, Debby 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them. I plan to continue Teri’s series! Xo
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