Here are the great books I read in November that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.
By Terry Tyler
The story continues after a decade of living with the virus that makes humans into zombies. There are familiar faces from past stories trying to find each other again. Many that don’t get killed end up in the surviving safe zone in the UK. It’s not all perfect in the safe zone and a work camp for many, but they are safe for now. Norah is inside and Brian is trying to make his way to her after they were separated. I couldn’t help but root for this couple’s reunion and a bit of good luck for them. Although survival is the theme, it is about relationships, greed, control, mental health, and love. It was a hard read to put down, as I kept saying just one more chapter to see what happens next. Then the virus takes a turn and mutates, which puts everyone at a much greater risk and speeds up the urgency to find safety. I’m eager to see what happens next to the survivors in the next book! A perfect read for Walking Dead fans, or those who love a great zombie story, and I can easily recommend it.
Two fraternal twins, complete opposites, parted ways as teens. Jade hates her sister Amber and after an attempt to kill her as teens, Amber changes her name and plays dead. The mother takes Jade and goes to California and the father raises Amber, who now goes by a different name. When Jade marries, the parents change their name too, and move away. Life should be okay for Amber and her parents now, but Jade comes home and looks for her parents after a murder. She lives in a delusional world where only her needs count. Amber lives in fear of her sister, who still wants what she has—her husband. This is a fast-paced story that dives into a family who has lived with a deadly mental illness with someone who outwits any help. The story is told through first person and different perspectives, giving a chilling insight into Jade’s frame of mind. I thought the story would venture in one direction, but it took a different turn, which was an unexpected twist. I admired how Amber, Michael, and their friends take responsibility for their own safety. Characters from a previous story also made a welcome appearance. This suspenseful thriller will keep you hooked!
By Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle
“Sesi says goodbye to Granny” is an engaging story for young readers and their parents and an educational one too. Sesi is concerned her beloved Granny is leaving the herd and her leadership role. The tale gently describes the change coming and how the herd will carry on. Elephant facts were shared, many unknown to me. I have always had a soft spot for elephants, so the learning part was enjoyable, but the artwork and photography captured my heart. I usually read books on my Kindle. This time I read the book on my cell phone, which was a tremendous bonus seeing everything in vivid color and detail. The book’s blend of art, facts, and fiction charmed me as an adult, and I envisioned the delight a child would find in its pages. Great gift for children and family.
By Teri Polen
Beck Teller and his family finally caught some luck by inheriting a house from a distant relative. They could pay off some hefty medical bills and find stability in the old home. His two brothers, little sister, and parents set out to tidy up the home. Each sibling gets a room, and things improve until strange things happen. One brother hears things, one sees things and Beck finds a hidden room full of holy water and salt. Plus, it shows the family may have had another occupation besides the furniture business. Beck is the middle brother who loves books, he is thrilled the house has a library. His brothers are more into sports, but they all agree about their little sister. She can do no wrong in their eyes. As the secrets unravel, it becomes clear this family is in danger and their safety might fall on the three brothers. I liked Beck’s character and his relationships with his brothers and little sister. It seemed natural how they got along, or didn’t, along with the humor. Still, they are always there for each other. Twists and surprises popped up along the way. I couldn’t help but root for the boys and found it hard to put down once they figured out what was happening and drew together. Although this is a YA it could be easily read by a high-end middle-grade reader or tween. If you enjoy cozy ghost stories centered on a haunted house and unsuspecting family, this book is for you!
Blood Red Dawn: Legends of Madeira Book Two
By Joan Hall
I enjoyed the first book, “Cold Dark Night” and was eager to get back to Madeira and its residences. This story is told through a dual timeline with romances involving brave men serving their country. In the 1800s Faydra and Jonathan are drawn to each other. He is a soldier at the fort outside of Madeira. Their story is being told through Abbey’s nana with a hint of a twister to come. Conner, a Navy Seal who suffered an injury, found his way back to Abbey and was given a second chance. Conner is battling his past and there is a stark contrast to how PTSD is handled now and back in the 1800s. While the story unfolds, someone means Conner harm, and Abbey, who is gifted with premonitions, is warned that something bad is about to happen. I loved the relationship between Conner and Abbey, along with the local support given to vets. I felt for Jonathan’s situation without that support but still rooted for a happy outcome for them. The setting is detailed, making me want to visit New Mexico, and their meals made me hungry! I changed my guess about who was after Conner several times. A cozy mystery with characters I was rooting for with an ending I couldn’t predict on more than one level. I look forward to the next installment from Madeira and can easily recommend this.
Note and a bit of a rant: I have been having internet issues for the last three weeks. I had an appointment they didn’t make. Then they came the next day without telling me and declared it all fixed. It wasn’t and I only found out because I called them. So after hours on the phone with tech and she said yes, there is a problem in the line we made another appt. The next day another tech calls and says it’s all fixed just a glitch. It was a touch better but not fixed—and I had to insist on that. Then he told me it was only meant to look at emails. Funny, that wasn’t the case three weeks ago. So, still waiting on the appt if they show this week. I can pull up some things and others I can’t, or it takes forever. I feel like I’ve gone back to the 90s dial-up in a lot of cases. My thought is they are trying to encourage me to drop them as they are other customers to get rid of DSL in our area and they are trying to get rid of all landlines too. Unfortunately, that’s all we have at the moment but I am on a waiting list for Starlink which would require a tree climb or that promised fiber optic cable that the state still hasn’t approved. End of my rant but why I’m not always around and can’t share blog posts all the time.
Also: There will be an early Books That Changed Me next week and a newsletter. Then I will be going on a holiday break and hopefully, you will find some books to give as gifts this season.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book and don’t forget to give the gift of reading this holiday season! D. L. Finn
Yu read and reviewed some great books by amazing writer. Sorry to hear about your internet problems. So frustrating!
Yes, it is a fantastic group of authors and releases this month. With our community of talent, I’m rarely disappointed. Thank you, Darlene. I wish I had more internet options. Our areas are being left behind.
Congratulations to all the authors for these wonderful and detailed review! Denise, it’s lovely to see Robbie’s latest creative venture and it looks very special indeed! Oh no, having had internet issues myself for the last couple of months I can relate to your frustration – both at the lack of ability to fix it and the supposed miscommunication. My theory too is that they are trying to drive us to a higher price contract or to someone else entirely!
All good ones, Annika 🙂 Yes, Robbie really does have a way not only to educate us but also to entertain us through art. Sorry you have been dealing with this internet problem too! They seem to be digging in to you have something accept it. They forget my service was completely different just three weeks ago. They are trying to push us off so they can completely shut down the landlines and dsl. Right now, that’s all we have. They do push their new stuff like cell phones but doesn’t work here. Hope yours is resolved and we get other options soon!
Thanks so much for featuring the review on here!!! x And thank you again for your time.
Happy to share your story here, Terry! It kept me reading through the night.
Ugh! Internet issues are the worst. We lived without it for most of our lives, but everything functions around it these days. Thanks for all the temptations.
They are, Craig! This company is dedicated to getting rid of this technology, even when we don’t have other good options yet. Everything does function around it, even paying bills. Thankfully I can drive down street and use my cellphone. I am reliving the 90s now breaking out my dvd’s and cds for the entertainment part.
Great reviews! I’m sorry about your Internet issues, and I know dealing with tech companies can be a big pain. I hope the tech company gets your issues sorted out.
Thank you, Dave! They can be a pain but the only option at moment. They are more interested in pushing us off so they don’t have to upkeep this system. Fingers crossed!
A great group of books, Denise. I have read two of them (Teri and Lizette) and am on Safe Zone now!
Thanks, Noelle 🙂 Sounds like we are on a similar reading path. I lost a lot of sleep reading Safe Zone in a good way!
I’ve read and really enjoyed a couple of these books, but I hadn’t heard of Sesi Says Goodbye to Granny. Even though it’s a kids’ book, I bet I would learn a lot about elephants the way I always learn things from Robbie’s (and Michael’s) books.
So many good books just released, Priscilla 🙂 I always learn something new from Robbie and Michael too! plus it’s a huge bonus eith all the amazing artwork.
Excellent reviews, Denise! Internet problems are a pain that can’t be put up with. I went through it a couple of times, had the techs come out and they didn’t fix it. I even showed them that the upstream power reading was too high. They insisted it was a problem in the house, despite the fact that I had measured the upstream power outside the house, and it was the same. I went with a different internet service.
Thank you, Timothy 🙂
They are a pain! Internet is such a big part of our lives now. We need it for communication and to get normal things done like banking. Hard when you show or tell them the problem, and they still won’t address it. For me, it’s you have internet, no matter how spotty and weak. I am waiting for another option, but until then, I will keep at them.
Excellent reviews, Denise! Internet problems are a pain that can’t be put up with. I went through it a couple of times, had the techs come out and they didn’t fix it. I even showed them that the upstream power reading was too high. They insisted it was a problem in the house, despite the fact that I had measured the upstream power outside the house, and it was the same. I went with a different internet service.
A few here I really have to read, a few I had never heard of till now–thank you!
Some good reading ahead for you, Jacqui!
Lots of twists and turns with this group! I’m sorry you’re struggling with internet problems. So frustrating!!
Yes, many twists and turns, Liz for sure. Thank you, working on my patience! Lol
You’re welcome, Denise!
Great reviews, Denise. Congratulations to Terry, Lisette, Teri, Robbie, and Joan
Thank you, John:) All good ones!
😁
Fantastic, Denise! I have read several of these and they were so good. We often are reading the same books. 😃 Picking up two new ones here today.
Definitely some good ones, Jan 🙂 I get many from your reviews. Xo
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing The Power of Three, Denise – I’m thrilled you enjoyed the boys! I’ve read some of these and have others waiting on my Kindle. Fantastic reviews!
It was a good one, Teri 🙂 I did enjoy the boys story. You have some good reading ahead!
Hi, Denise:
Great reviews! I am so honored to be included in this group of talented authors, and I can’t thank you enough for choosing my new book to read. Very grateful to you. x
Thank you, Lisette 🙂 Glad I choose it, a great read! Always happy to share my good reads here:)
Hi Denise. I hope this comment goes through. I just tried to leave comment on your lovely share of a past Thanksgiving – to no avail. Maybe it’s your internet? Lol. Perhaps you may find me in spam. 🙂 Thanks for the great reviews. And I too hope Terry writes another follow up to Safe Zone. Hugs xx
Hi Debby 🙂 Sometimes the comments don’t show up right away. No idea why. But I have rescued you from spam in the past. This internet is a pain…lol they are coming tomorrow, so ready to insist it’s fixed. Fingers crossed. Yes, there needs to do another story and find out what happens next. Hugs xo
Hi Denise. Who can even guess what WP does sometimes. I know comments don’t show up automatically on some blogs, like mine, they must be approved first. But it will usually tell me ‘submitted’. I don’t think my other comment on your Thanksgiving post even went through. I kept getting a ‘nonce verified’ fancy message, lol. Hugs xxx
Denise, this is a wonderfully diverse collection of reviews. Congratulations to this group of terrific writers.
I’m so sorry about your Internet woes — I’ve had more than my share. The vile way they treated you sounds exactly like what I’ve encountered for the past 4 years here. Finally I used up all the available options and got the version of T-Mobile that uses your cell phone as a hot-spot (with a gateway device). I can’t recommend it. It’s slow and basically awful, yet it’s the best I’ve been able to do. I hate to see anyone go through similar. Huge hugs.
Thank you, Teagan. I will post another set of reviews next week, so Christmas stories are considered, like yours! Yes, the internet battle. I’ve been lucky to have a repair who cared about the customers. I have a feeling he is gone, and I’m dealing with what he warned. Hot spot won’t work here no cell signal. Don’t want satellite because it’s slow and limited, but heard Starlink is good so thats an option but have to wait too. Then to pick a tree… There are no choices, and they know it. But I will do what I have to, to stay connected. Dsl is old but it has worked for me until it suddenly slowed down and goes in and out. Sorry you’ve dealt with this, too. This isn’t a luxury anymore it’s necessary, like electricity. Fingers crossed for tomorrow…huge hugs back xo
Brilliant Denise and you can’t go wrong with any of these authors… xx
Thank you, Sally. I agree you are can’t go wrong with any of these authors! Xo
Thanks for your wonderful review of Blood Red Dawn. I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Sorry about your internet issues. I can relate, although our situation has gotten much better. The joys of living in the country!
I really did enjoy it, Joan! I look forward to more 🙂 Yes, it is part of country living for sure. We will be going on round five to fix the problem this Monday. Fingers crossed.
My review of “Miracles and Ghosts” is now live on my blog. I will submit it to Amazon and Goodreads this morning. Have a good day, Denise!
Thank you, Dawn 🙂 Your review will keep a smile on my face for a long while. I appreciate the post and sharing of too. Hugs xo
Just finished your latest and will get the review up today if the internet allows. It was fantastic! Xo
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I’ve read Teri’s and Robbie’s books and thought they were great. I have a couple others in my kindle waiting for a chance to read them – maybe over the quiet, relaxing holidays (Lol. Is there such thing?). Congrats to all the authors on the excellent reviews. 🙂
Thank you, Diana 🙂 You have some good reading ahead! I always wish for those quiet holiday moments…lol. I’ll take busy joyfilled over that and look to peaceful after holiday reading. Xo
A great group of books and amazing authors, Denise! Congratulations to all! And thank you SO much for your review of Cora’s Quest! Not only was it a beautiful review, but to find it on the first day of the launch was a great surprise. So thank you, and I’m happy you enjoyed Cora’s tale. I’ve been having internet issues too, so I can relate to the frustration. I hope it gets resolved soon. 💖
It really was a great groups, of course I only read the good ones 🙂 I enjoyed meeting Cora! Kids are going to enjoy the story and illustrations. Sorry you are dealing with internet issues too. So frustrating especially if they aren’t interested in correctly fixing it. I hope we both get it settled soon.
You only read the good ones, love it! And I hope for the same on both counts! 💕
🙂
All great reviews, Denise. Congratulations to all these talented authors. I have read Lisette’s book and have Robbie’s on my Kindle. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Joy 🙂 Yes, all good ones and you have some good reading ahead!
Wow, lots of good reads this month. I usually avoid zombie books but Terry’s sounds intriguing.
s.c ox
It was a lot of good ones, Sandra! It’s more than mindless zombies. There is a people story with it. Xo
Thank you for the reviews, Denise!
I’m especially excited about Robbie’s book. Her work on behalf of animals is important.
It’s Friday. Have a fab weekend!
Happy to share them, Resa! I couldn’t agree more on the importance of supporting our animals and wildlife. Robbie does a wonderful job of that. Happy weekend!
Happy Weekend, Denise!
HI Denise, a wonderful selection of books. I have a few of these on my TBR which I like to keep nice and fat. Thank you for your lovely review of Sesi. I am so pleased the book looked good on your phone. I looked great on mine too and I am delighted with the design software. Have a wonderful weekend.
Yes, it was a fantastic reading month. I loved meeting Sesi and learning more about elephants. Yes, it was a really nice layout and much better in color. I have a well padded Kindle, too, and I’m glad for it! Have a wonderful weekend, too 🙂
Thank you, Denise, for the beautiful review you left on Amazon for my book, Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine. I appreciate it so much! I’m including it in my blog post today. Cheers!
These stories are all compelling and love Robbie’s book is so good and the photo’s are awesome!!! 💓