Books That Changed Me: 2025 Summer Edition! #writingcommunity

heading books that changed me 2025 summer edition

Happy Summer! Welcome to the Summer Edition of Books That Changed Me.

Here are my three top books that will provide great summer reading. If the blurb catches your eye, click on the book title and enjoy your next fantastic read.

Reuben Hayes

By S. Cox

BLURB

A classic Western

The crusty middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman. And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.
Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger. Between the two men, and Reuben’s cranky ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Badlands (Savage Land #2)

By Jacqui Murray

BLURB

Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature.Written in the spirit of Jean Auel, Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth’s history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Each of the tribes considered themselves apex predators. Neither was. That crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the blight of man from her face. Join me in this three-book fictional exploration of Neanderthals. Be ready for a world nothing like what you thought it would be, filled with clever minds, brilliant acts, and innovative solutions to life-ending problems, all based on real events. At the end of this trilogy, you’ll be proud to call Neanderthals family.

In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break

By Staci Troilo

BLURB

A vow broken. A covenant shattered. A duty she can’t escape.

Claudia Abruzzo expected her mid-life crisis to begin when her kids left for college and culminate in a trip around the world when her husband retired. Instead, it started with Leo divorcing her for a woman young enough to be their daughter, and there was no end in sight to her heartbreak.

Five years later, the only change is her last name—back to Valenti. She still lives in the same memory-filled house in the same tiny town with the same financial and emotional struggles since losing her partner. While she doesn’t miss her ex, she does miss being married. She’d meant it when she’d said for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or health, and forsaking all others.

Leo had meant none of it, especially the forsaking part.

Now, his life is on the line and he—as well as his family—expects her to uphold her vows.

Crises of conscience, faith, and family test the flimsy tether of resolve that kept her moored when her life blew apart. Leo is forcing her into another no-win situation, and this time, when her world inevitably explodes, she might not have the strength to pick up the pieces.

Enjoy your inner child this summer by picking up a good book to read! D. L. Finn (Denise)

77 thoughts on “Books That Changed Me: 2025 Summer Edition! #writingcommunity”

    1. Thanks, Robbie 🙂 Always hard to narrow it down with so much talent in our community

      Reply

  5. I haven’t read Staci’s book yet (a story for the summer?) but I thoroughly enjoyed Sandra’s and Jacqui’s books. We have such a talented community that it’s hard to keep up! Thanks for the recommendations!

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    1. I think a great story for the summer, Diana 🙂 I agree an amazing community oozing with talent, it is hard to keep up!

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      1. Thanks so much for those kind words, Diana:)
        Hope you are doing well.

  8. I haven’t read any of these yet, but I’ve enjoyed books from each of the authors in the past.

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    1. You can’t go wrong with any of these stories, Pete. All fabulous authors, as are many in our community, which makes this list hard:)

      Reply

  10. Fantastic reviews! I’ve read two out of the three and enjoyed them immensely. Sandra’s book is waiting on me! Thank you for sharing, and congrats to these authors!!

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    1. Thanks, Jan 🙂 They deserved another look here. You have a great read ahead!

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  11. How exciting. I’m thrilled to be a summer read, especially when I’m in such great company. Jacqui and Staci are amazing authors. xo

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    2. Well, it’s a great read, Sandra! Such a variety yet each one wonderful in it’s own genre.

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    1. Thanks, Teri, and for your recommendation for Staci, too. Can’t go wrong with any of these.

      Reply

  15. They all seem to be great books. I’ve read Badlands so I can vouch for that one. Like you indicate it is an otherworldly and amazing adventure, and it is a very captivating story. I am certainly proud to call Neanderthals family. This was a great book overview.

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    1. They are really good reads, Thomas. Thank you for adding your recommendation for Badlands. Jacqui has brought them to life for us, and like you proud, they are a part of us now.

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    1. It really is, Teagan amazing to be so easily transported into their worlds. Makes for time well spent. Sending hugs right back!

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  18. All three books sound wonderful, Denise! I have Jacqui’s book on my Kindle! I’ll add the other two on my TBR. They all are my favorite authors. Thank you for your recommendations. 🙂

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    3. They really are, Miriam 🙂 Yes, favorites of mine too and makes for some great reading. Xo

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  21. Jacqui did an amazing job on Badlands, as she does with all her prehistoric fiction. She’s the prehistory queen:)
    I’m working on Staci’s:) She too is an excellent author. As are you, my friend.xo

    Reply

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