Here are the great books I read in January that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.
I have seen Ms. Taylor’s posts about food and her recipes, so I was excited to read through her cookbook. This collection focuses on Christmas and family traditions. The book is split into sections that start with Christmas starters and end with Christmas Leftovers. It all starts with a note from the author explaining that the recipes come not only from her grandmothers and mother but also from some of her friends or her travels. These are more than ways to cook food. They bring back wonderful memories, but they also are healthy and made from scratch. Holiday tradition remains important; however, incorporating novel elements enhances the experience. I especially like the chapter on making gifts to give. Memories and cooking notes were helpfully added. Here are a few recipes I want to try: Prawn Cocktail, Spiced Red Cabbage, Red Wine Vegetarian Gravy, A Honey Jar Ferment with Garlic, Pickled Garlic, Homemade Mustard, and Gluten-free Christmas Pudding. I was excited to see a couple of gluten-free options included. At the end is a helpful US-UK Conversion Chart to help with measurements. Plus, there are nice images throughout. A great gift, ideal year-round, expanding our traditions; some I’ll experiment with beyond Christmas. I can easily recommend this festive cookbook.
“Story Chat Vol. II” is a collection of short stories in all genres, including nonfiction. There are six sections, and the last one includes Horror and Science fiction, which is always a go-to for me, but I had many favorites outside that category. With the unique differences it was hard to pick a favorite but here are some that I’m still thinking about: “A Cautionary Tale on the Dangers of Allowing Your Characters to Take Over Your Story” by Geoff Le Pard, “The Grand Adventure” by Diana Peach, and “Anxious About Sea Horses,” by Gary A. Wilson. However, the exceptional nature of this collection did not stem solely from the great stories. It was the Questions for YOUR Story Chat Group that followed, and the best part was the Discussion Excerpts that many had. The other authors gave valuable story advice. Tips on improving writing were also included in the nonfiction. This had it all, and I found some favorite authors, along with new ones that I will be reading. This group appears both supportive and talented. I can easily recommend this collection.
This collection of poetry is like its title, “Gasp! Poetry!” is a fun and introspective read. There are eighty-eight poems with a wide variety of topics like unicorns, human nature, history, and science. Written in free verse with some rhyming included. I highly enjoyed the humor that poked fun at many subjects, along with the whimsical and serious side. Here are some of the ones I highlighted: “I lift a handful of sand,/watch the grains/cascade in the spaces/between my fingers,/thinking there’s/got to be metaphors/for time, uniqueness, perseverance—/maybe insignificance…”—Is a Poem about Grains of Sand on a Beach Too Pretentious? or “He felt bad/that she thought/their relationship/wouldn’t work/because she thought/his ventriloquist doll/was so creepy…”—Buddy’s Secrets or “The leaves dropping/could be said to be/eaves dropping on us,/walking as we are on this forest trail…”—Leaves Dropping or “In this busy blurry/hurly burly world,/she likes to slide/into the lines…”—Under the Covers and “The drive from their house/to the parking lot seemed/to take a long time to Joe,/as did the walk…”—Unicorn Migration. A group of poems that I can easily recommend!
Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka
Colleen M. Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle (editors)
By Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, and Cheryl Wood.
“Sunflower Tanka” is the first annual anthology with contributions from over thirty-five talented poets. Many I recognized and already was a fan of their poetry, but the rest were new to me. Meeting both new and known poets under the theme “into the light” was wonderful. The editors offered their insight into sunflowers at the beginning of the book. It was enlightening to understand the importance of the flowers to them. Then the great poetry started and kept coming. There was no way I could choose my favorite lines or poems; I enjoyed them all. I love all forms of tanka poetry, but I think the garland tanka fascinated me the most. This is a collection meant to reread, especially with its uplifting messages. I can easily recommend this to all poetry lovers!
A Peril in the Vines: A Medium’s Peril Book 3
By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
Daphne, Clover, and Phineas continue their story set in the 1920s. Daphne is a medium who has seen a massacre in her visions, which somehow link the pumpkins and vines that grow everywhere in the new town they end up in. Clover has a vivid dream that refers to tarot cards and a message. It all seems to center on a young girl and a doctor looking after her. Additionally, some matchmaking is happening. I love the setting and era and all the little details that bring it alive. Besides the paranormal, there is a mystery to figure out, along with some humor. I have been enjoying this series and, like all the characters, there’s a special place in my heart for Clover, Daphne’s assistant. I can easily recommend this quick read that can be a standalone, but I have preferred reading it from the beginning.
Note: Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge and also a new release post!
Embrace your inner child with a good read! D. L. Finn
All great reviews. Nice to see Carol’s Cookbook featured. I have made many things from it, all good.
Thank you, Darlene 🙂 I have a few of them I want to try out!
Terrific reviews Denise thank you… so pleased to see Carol’s book here, wonderful cookbook.
Thank you, Sally 🙂 I loved not only the recipes but her thoughts along with them.
Nice of you to share these wonderful reviews of the fantastic works of such talented authors, Denise.
Thank you, Timothy 🙂 All of them good reads!
“Gasp! Poetry!” haha, what a great title. Well, I have to go take a look now. Thanks for sharing your reviews, Denise!
Isn’t that a great title, Priscilla? Had to read it from that!
If you get the book, I hope you enjoy it! The ebook is free at several websites. The index of those sites is here: https://books2read.com/u/mBJjRk. Thank you!
What a great balance of books, Denise. I have Teagan’s on my Kindle.
It was a good balance of reading, Noelle 🙂 You have some good reading ahead! Xo
Yay! Thank you, Noelle. Hugs.
Wonderful reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing. Bravo to all!
Thank you, Natalie 🙂 All good ones! Xo
All good reviews. There are a few I want to read right away–like the international short stories.
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 That was a great collection, I’m sure you will enjoy.
Yay! Jacqui! I hope you love it! 🙂
Congratulations to all the authors! Sharing to temp browsing readers!
Thank you, Liz 🙂 I appreciate you sharing to tempt more readers!
You’re welcome, Denise!
I like that, too, Liz! Every book needs more readers! 🙂 xxx
This was a great surprise! Thank you very much for reviewing my poetry book, Denise 🌞
I saw a review for it and couldn’t pass up that title! Really glad I read it 🙂
Lovely reviews, Denise. Thank you for showcasing each collection/book. ❤️ Congratulations to each of the writers.
Thank you, Gwen 🙂 All good ones xo
Excellent reviews, Denise. I’ve read most of these and thought they were great. Congrats to Colleen, Teagan, Marsha, Carol, and Dave. What a delight to see this collection of authors and books getting some attention. Hugs.
Thank you, Diana 🙂 I’m sure I picked up some of these from your reviews.
Thanks for stopping by Denise’s review, Diana. Speaking for one of those on your list, I love that Denise highlighted Story Chat! It’s a great honor! 🙂 xxx
Fabulous reviews, Denise! I really must pick up the Story Chat anthology. Sounds like tons of great stories all in one book. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to these authors!
I love this comment, Jan. I know you will love all the stories. I took the book to Kiwanis last month. I read one story, part of another, and part of one of the tips chapters. Everyone there bought a book! 🙂
Great reviews, Denise. Congratulations toMarsa, Carol, Robbie, Dave,Colleen, Diana,Gwen, Yvette, and Teagan
Thanks, John:) It was a great month of reading!
😊
Thanks, John! I’m so honored that we were part of Denise’s “great month of reading.” 🙂
She is amazing.
I’m just getting to know her, but I have to agree. 🙂
🙂
Lovely reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing ‘Gasp Poetry’ which pulled my attention. I’ve picked up the kindle version.
Thanks, Balroop 🙂 I saw a review on it and had to read it. It was a lot of fun.
What a great variety of reads, Denise. I’ve got Teagan’s waiting on my Kindle. Congrats to all the authors!
Woot! Thanks, Teri. Hugs.
Denise, you are a treasure. I’m thrilled that you included A Peril in the Vines with this wonderful and diverse collection of books. Each writer here is amazing. Big hugs.
Thank you, Teagan:) Si happy to include your wonderful story and hope it finds new readers. Big hugs back
Thanks, Teri 🙂 You have a good read coming up.
They sound like great books and the reviews were interesting and very helpful.
Thanks, Thomas:) They are all good ones!
Thanks, Denise, for a fabulous collection of reviews and recommendations. Congratulations to all the authors.
Denise,
A nice group of reviews. I am interested in A Peril in the Vines. Sounds like I would want to start with book one though.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings
Lisa
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 It’s a fun series, and you don’t want to miss the back story.
Thanks so much, Lisa. You do get to know the characters on a deeper level by starting with A Peril in Ectoplasm. However, each volume is a different kind of paranormal story, a different mood, so it’s not 100% necessary at all. I appreciate you commenting. Hugs.
Hi Denise, I am delighted to know you enjoyed both Sunflower Journal And Story Chat II, both of which I was so pleased to be a part of. I am happy to see your reviews for Gasp! Poetry! And Carol’s cookbook, both of which I enjoyed. I have Teagan’s book on my TBR.
I did enjoy both collections and your part in them, Robbie 🙂 I’m glad I saw your review for Gasp and both great reads. You have a good read coming up.
💗
Whenever you get around to Vines, Robbie, I hope you love it. There’s more humor in this story. Hugs.
Yay to both the Sunflower Journal and Story Chat II along with the rest of the wonderful books that Denise reviewed. I’ve been hearing a lot about Carol’s cookbook, and I love the title, “Gasp! Poetry! It’s been a while, but I’m sure I’ve read about “Daphne, Clover, and Phineas.” Teagan is a good writer. 🙂
Hi, Marsha. Thanks. Yes, it’s been a while. I had hoped to get this 3rd book for Daphne, Clover, and company out in October… but it was January. This one has a little humor added to the creepiness. Hugs.
I’ll give it a try. Creepiness is not my forte, but humor is good in any genre. I’d be going out of my comfort zone to write either and do it well. Did you read Janet’s story in the Story Chat Vol II book? It is all about both. Geoff LePard wrote a companion story which is equally creepy and just as funny, but with a totally different twist. I love them both, but I couldn’t write them without lots of coaching.
Denise, I’ve been having issues leaving comments, so I back to express my thanks for your amazing review of Sunflower Tanka. Your reviews are always spot on. Thanks again for the amazing surprise.
Thank you, Colleen. Sorry you are having issues leaving comments, I appreciate your determination and return! Xo
Wasn’t it a nice surprise? I love surprises like this one! 🙂 xxx
It,the best kind of surprise when the reviews come rolling in.
Yes, it was lovely. I went back to make sure I commented on all the comments. She is a darling!
Denise, thank you so much for your lovely review of Story Chat! I am in love with these wonderful authors, and the breadth of genres that we had this year, including the new tips feature. Colleen did such a fabulous job of formatting the book, designing the cover and helping me through the publishing process. I recommend her highly.
I also loved being part of the Sunflower Tanka Journal. It was a great learning experience for me even though I have followed Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday for years. I love writing tankas, and am beginning to recognize the nuances of what makes a really good tanka.
Thanks again for your great review on Amazon as well. I hope you will consider submitting a story, poem or micro-fiction for this year’s publication. 🙂 xxx
I love collections, Marsha:) It’s such a great way enjoy favorite authors and meet new ones. I’ve learned a lot about symbolic poetry from Colleen and enjoy seeing what everyone came up with. I will have to go see what is needed! Xo
I’m so happy to hear that, Denise. I wondered if collections were popular enough. This has been a learning experience, and lots of fun.
Wonderful reviews, Denise, and all the books sound good! I’m enticed! Congrats to all the authors! xo
Thanks, Lauren. It’s an honor to be mentioned in Denise’s post with all these other amazing books. 🙂 xxx
Thank you, Lauren 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them!
As usual you’ve been doing some serious reading:) I’m currently reading Sunflower Tanka.
Ooooo. That’s a fun read:) xo
Thanks for sharing your fabulous reviews, Denise! I loved all the poetry in Sunflower Tanka!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Hapoy yo share, Yvette 🙂 Yes, it was a fantastic collection of poetry. Xo
Great reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Joy 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend too xo
So impressed with the books you’ve read, and your review. Many claps!! xo
Very late to the party, Denise. Thanks for the great reviews.I know some of these, but I always like learning about what’s out there.
Never late to this party, Dan 🙂 I like reading reviews too, I always find something I need to read!