August Book Reviews! @Sandra_Cox @supermegawoman @RobertaEaton17 @YvetteMCalleiro @dave_astor #mustread #bookreviews #writingcommunity #readingcoummunity

Here are the books I read in July that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

And the Grave Awaits book cover with red roses against a mainly gray backgroun.

Mateo’s Woman

By Sandra Cox

This third Mateo book continues the story of shifter Mateo and his finance Blair. They are planning their marriage, but something is wrong with Blair after being bitten by an evil enemy. Blair’s mother, Nadine, shows up to help but ends up in the middle of something I couldn’t have predicted. Fortunately, Mateo’s father, who is also a shifter, is there to assist them, but the situation becomes difficult to manage. I love the depth of the relationship between Mateo and Blair and Blair and Lisa. The exquisitely written setting and town turn fiction into a desirable destination that I would be eager to visit, especially in worry-free times. Several unexpected turns make this a gripping read, threatening to obstruct Mateo’s and Blair’s happily ever after. A fantastic addition to Mateo’s world, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend “Mateo’s Woman”!

Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones

By Darlene Foster

Amanda is with her friend Leah, visiting Leah’s aunt in Scotland on a small island called Arran. While visiting a castle, they run into a woman dressed in clothes from the past that they helped. Yet, after there was no trace of her. Amanda jumps into the mystery while visiting some interesting places along the way. Although written for middle-grade readers, I enjoy these stories too. They provide not only a fun mystery but also in-depth history and traditions of the places visited. Scotland has captured my interest, so the history and vivid settings were my favorite parts. I would love to visit this island. There are hidden rooms, disappearing boats, and what seems like a ghost that makes this story a page-turner. Perfect for younger readers and those like me who are young at heart!

And the Grave Awaits

by Roberta Eaton Cheadle

“And the Grave Awaits” is a well-written collection of short stories that pulled me in from the first page. Some stories were based on actual events, and others were more in the paranormal realm. The details that went into the historical fiction stories transported me to that time and place. I felt for the hardships the children who swept chimneys underwent under cruel adults in “An Eye for an Eye” or the women painting dials with radioactive paints in “All that Glitters is not Gold.” “The Bite” caught my attention immediately and when wolf spiders came up, I was all in. They are local spiders that have always fascinated me and this spin on spiders and humans was intriguingly unique. After each of the sixteen stories, there’s information like where the story has been published or the history behind it. A fantastic collection I can highly recommend, especially for those who like stories with a darker twist.

Karma Doesn’t Kill

By Yvette M. Calleiro

“Karma Doesn’t Kill” serves as a cautionary tale of a young man’s poor decisions. Growing up, JT had to overcome various difficulties, including having an alcoholic mother and a father who was a convicted felon. He started down the wrong path living with his mother, but his father stepped in and got custody of him. His life appeared to be improving, but then tragedy hit and he ended up back where he started. The story starts with JT being cared for by his little brother. JT shares his story of how he ended up bedridden. Although I knew the outcome, his journey captured my heart, and I was rooting for him. Even with a heartbreaking outcome for JT, he developed an inspiring inner strength, too. A well-written story based on a true story that illustrates the lasting impact of a solitary choice. It’s a quick but powerful read that I highly recommend.

Misty the Cat . . . Unleashed: The Spirited Adventures and Amusing Antics of an Asthmatic Feline on the Loose

By Dave Astor

“Misty the Cat … Unleashed” is told through the cat’s humorous point of view. Out on his daily morning walk, Misty gets separated from his human and chased under a porch in an unfriendly dog’s backyard. Misty waits for the dog to go to sleep at 8:30 pm—or when it gets dark. The cat keeps himself occupied reliving his life stories. He has a strong opinion on various topics, such as the ideal guitar in a song, rewriting classic titles, favorite shows, and his political stance. He can swiftly shift between subjects in his observations, showcasing his quick-wittedness. Although entertained by his stories, I was concerned that Misty was not only stuck under a porch in the heat, but was missing a dose of his needed asthma medication. If you have a love for cats or animals, you’ll enjoy spending time with Misty and his humans.

NOTE: I know I have been scarce, but between our phone line was down which runs our internet (It’s fixed now), some pulled muscles (Yes, connected to the next item), and having to do more clearing on our property in hopes of keeping our homeowner’s insurance (May now have to hire loggers. New rule trees can’t touch each other. This follows hours of work on our part. It took a few emails to get it clearly explained to me. It’s almost like they don’t want us to renew… lol)

In the middle of all of this, I am doing my final edits for my Christmas collection, too. I haven’t been able to visit blogs or have my usual blogs here like I enjoy doing. I am not sure when I’ll be back to my regular schedule. I will still post book reviews and new releases! xo

Embrace your inner child this summer by reading a good book! D. L. Finn

63 thoughts on “August Book Reviews! @Sandra_Cox @supermegawoman @RobertaEaton17 @YvetteMCalleiro @dave_astor #mustread #bookreviews #writingcommunity #readingcoummunity”

  2. They all sound like good books. I’ve read And The Grave Awaits and I loved it and I learned a lot from the about sections at the end of each section. You wrote great reviews.

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    1. Thank you, Thomas 🙂 I liked those sections at the end of the stories, too. It was educational and added to the reading experience.

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    1. I have been reading some good ones, Priscilla 🙂 I like the same thing about the Amanda stories, how much we learn while being entertained.

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  4. Wonderful reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing them. I’ve read And The Grave Awaits and Karma Doesn’t Kill – loved both of them. And I’ve begun Mateo’s Woman – excellent so far. My sincere congratulations to each of the writers you’ve beautifully featured. 🌞

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    1. Thank you, Gwen 🙂 both great reads, and I know you will enjoy the rest of Mateos Woman. Can’t go wrong with any of these stories. Hugs xo

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  9. Some great reads, Denise. You were fast with Sandra’s latest (coming up for me next). I also enjoyed Robbie’s, Darlene’s and Yvette’s book. I haven’t read David’s and may pick that one up. Thanks for sharing all the great reviews and congrats to the authors!

    Oh my, your new tree rules would be the end of my insurance for sure. I get the concern about fire, but that’s a lot of work. I hope it all works out well.

    Reply

    1. Yes, there were a lot of great reads again last month. You have a good one coming up! David’s is especially great for cat lovers.

      The new tree rules are insane. Cutting down the forest to save it is a bit extreme. I am all for brush clearing and branch trimming. It has been a lot of work, but out of our hands now. It used to be you’d log, and they’d pay you for the wood. Now you pay to log, and they usually don’t want the wood. They have plenty of wood after fires. Thanks, I hope it works out, too. I would hate to have to move.

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    3. Yay, Diana. Glad I’m coming up next:)
      Insurance in CA and FL is just a nightmare these days, isn’t it. Good on Denise for hanging tough and getting done what they needed to.

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  11. I have read and enjoyed Robbie’s collection and I have most of the others on my TBR to enjoy during my break coming up… looking forward to them.

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      2. Let me revise that, Coleen. You made my week:)
        That’s exciting that you used to live in Montana!

  14. Thanks so much, D.L., for the repeat mention of your review of my book amid repeat mentions of your reviews of other books by various talented authors! 🙂

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  16. You’ve been busy, Denise – both with reading and home stuff. Hope you’re feeling better. Congrats to the authors on the reviews! I’ve read some of these myself and have others waiting.

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    1. Thank you, Teri 🙂 Yes, doung better. Always busy, but things are moving in a more positive direction. You can’t go wrong with any of these. Xo

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    1. Thank you, Marje 🙂 I am getting there with edits. Good luck with your projects too! Xo

      Reply
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  21. Hi Denise, thank you for your lovely review of And the grave Awaits. It is appreciated. I also enjoyed Dave’s book and have some of the others on my TBR.

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  24. Sorry to hear about your pulled muscles, the phone, and the internet problem, Denise! The tree rules not touching each other for the insurance wouldn’t work in Oregon as you know it. With all these troubles, you still managed to read many books. Your reviews are beautiful as always. I have three of your books on my Kindle. Congratulations to all the talented authors.

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