Here are the books I read in November that are four stars or higher.
A Ticket to Ride: Stories and Rhymes
This is a fun collection of stories, poems, and beautiful illustrations. I like nothing more than the engaging flow of rhymes to read aloud to children, but even reading it alone, it brought a smile. The stories mixed in are charming with just the right amount of silliness, and a bonus was the jokes I know would bring a smile to a young child and the reader. A quick and enjoyable read that would be a great gift to parents and grandparents for story time. I can recommend this for all young readers and those who read to them!
About the Real Stages of Grief: A Journey Through Loss
By D.G. Kaye
The death of a loved one, especially if it’s a soul mate, is a subject I don’t like to think about. I wouldn’t usually read books on this subject, but I’ve read this author and knew it would be handled well. I wasn’t wrong; this was a quick read but had a lot of depth. Ms. Kaye was open and honest with her feelings, and I could see myself reacting in several of the same ways. Everyone loses someone they love and will have to deal with the grief that follows. Most shy away from thinking about the death of a loved one, much less know how to comfort one who contends with it. This book opens a dialogue and lets the reader know that no one is alone through the process; there is support and help, but sometimes we just need to feel what we are feeling. I know it is healing to write, but reading it can be equally healing. After closing the book, I take away the author’s journey and know that when I need this insight, it will be there, waiting. This is a book I can easily recommend.
Something Fancy A Winter Wonderland Celebration Book One
This was an amazing collection of recipes, poetry, photos, and history! I loved the history, which included Christmas cakes and gingerbread houses. The images of the fondant creations showcased the author’s talent in creating some magic in the holiday season. Plus, the included recipes made me want to go bake something. A fast read packed with so much that I can highly recommend, especially to inspire during the holiday season.
Edge of Twilight: Legends of Madeira
By Joan Hall
I read the first two in the “Legends of Madeira” and loved them. So I dove into this third story as soon as it was released. It did not disappoint, and I think this is Ms. Hall’s best story to date. A dual timeline set in the 1870s and the present on a ranch outside Madeira. In the present time, Blaire escapes a loveless marriage and finds out she’s inherited a cattle ranch from a grandfather she thought had been dead for years. The story starts in the past with a young wife, Julia, in a loveless marriage to Nathan, and a new ranch hand who is running from something in his past. In both timelines, there is a strange phenomenon of lights. Legend says they are around buried treasures. This leads to greed in both times, but with any legend, there is a consequence. I loved Blaire and her journey to find what she wanted in her life. Her relationship with Eric, who ran the ranch, had a rough start, but they developed a quick friendship. But there are secrets, theft, and murder that make this hard to put down. As with Blaire, I was rooting for Julia in her time, too. The settings were detailed enough so I felt like I was watching the sunset with the characters. The pup Blaire inherited was a favorite; who wouldn’t want that loyal companion by their side? A well-written dual timeline mystery that I can easily recommend!
Raised to Kill (Paxton & Walsh Mysteries Book 2)
By Staci Troilo
I loved the first book in this series and was happy to see the detectives back in the second book. I was plunged into the story when Detective Walsh responded to a call after getting back from vacation. Not only was he forced to help someone who had hurt his daughter, but he became a suspect. What at first seemed like unrelated crimes appeared to have a common thread, if they could find it. I love the relationship between Walsh and Paxton; they always have each other’s backs. Additionally, the story examines family relationships and how they adapt to having a detective in the family. There was a side story that broke my heart, and I really felt the emotions. As many guesses as I had, none of them were right. This well-written story was hard to put down. I highly recommend this and hope there will be more to come!
COMING UP
- The final two stops of my blog tour are this week on Wednesday and Thursday. Don’t miss them 🙂
- Next week, on December 9th, is the final Creative Perspective of this year. I think you are going to like this month’s image.
- Then I will do the last Books That Changed Me on December 15th, followed by the results for the Creative Perspective Challenge on December 16th.
- That’s it for 2025!
Embrace your inner child by reading a great book this holiday season! D. L. Finn (Denise)
Wonderful reviews Denise and I know that all the authors will be delighted.. I have certainly found Debby’s book very poignant and delighted in Robbie’s creativity… ♥
Thank you, Sally:) I agree about Debbys book and Robbie has so much talent. Xo
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Congrats to all these talented authors.
Thank you, Dan 🙂 Yes, all talented for sure!
Thank you, Denise, for sharing your thoughts on all five of these books. I love the variety, and I’ve read and enjoyed three of these. About A Ticket to Ride … isn’t it funny how adults enjoy rhyming picture books as much as children do?!
It was a great variety to read, Priscilla 🙂 Yes SO much fun to read rhyming books, I find myself rhyming for a while after in my head…lol
I need to get to both Joan’s and Staci’s books. Thanks for the nudge.
They are both reads I’m sure you will enjoy, Craig 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words about Cabe and Holden (and the messes they have to clean up). Means so much to me!
And an extra thanks to Sally for sharing this on LinkedIn.
I am loving this series and their friendship, Staci 🙂 They do have some messes to clean up for sure! Yes, thank you Sally for sharing this.
A good mixture of texts there, Denise. I have Debby’s on my TBR for sometime soon and will check out some of the others. Thanks for sharing.
It was a good variety of reading, Laura 🙂 A lot of wisdom in Debbys book and can’t go wrong with any of these!
You’ve given me my reading list. I know all of these authors and for some reason missed these books. Gotta get busy! Glad to read your reviews.
Yay! You have some excellent reads ahead, Jacqui 🙂 There was a lot of releases at once and hard to keep up but these are worth it
Super reviews, Denise. Congratulations to Sue, Debby, Robbie, Joan, and Staci
Thank you, John:) All good ones!
Congratulations to the authors on the wonderful reviews! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thank you, Liz 🙂 Your shares are always appreciated xo
You’re welcome, Denise. 🙂
My pleasure, Denise.🙂
Hi Denise, thank you so much for your lovely review of Something Fancy. I’m delighted you enjoyed it. I have some of these books on my TbR. I’m currently reading your latest poetry book 🩵
I really enjoyed it, Robbie 🙂 A good addition to the holidays. I hope you are enjoying the poetry! Xo
I always love your poetry.
It’s wonderful that your great thoughts of these books, Denise.
I love sharing the good books I read, Timothy, thank you!
😊
Great review, Denise! I have Debby’s book and am hoping to read it soon.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 It’s a hard but good read! xo
What a wonderful surprise to see my book, A Ticket to Ride, included in this collection.
Thank you.
Happy to share it and can’t wait to pass it on, Sue xo
Wow Denise. What a lovely surprise to find here today. I am stoked that my book resonated well with you. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing here on your blog. big hugs xox
It really did, Debby! It’s a special book. Big hugs right back to you xo
Thanks again so very much. I am almost finished reading your latest. Trying to savor the stories. 💙 xx
Love the idea of jokes in the children’s book, and that cover is adorable. I have some of these waiting on my Kindle, and I’m hoping to get to them soon. Great reviews, Denise!
You have some great reading ahead, Teri 🙂 And joke are always fun!
Thanks for the great reviews, Denise. I just finished Robbie’s and agree with your review. Perfect for the holidays. I have some of the others on my TBR. Congrats to all the authors. xo
It waa such a fun and unique holiday read and cookbook! You definitely have some greatvreads ahead, Lauren 🙂
I enjoyed these reviews, Denise. We often read some of the same books, as is the case with Joan and Staci’s newest. I agree with you about Joan’s book. I believe it’s her best to date and I equally enjoyed Staci’s. I’ve been putting off reading Debby’s book on grief, but you’ve given me the greenlight to go ahead. I also loved Robbie’s newest and see it as a true treasure! Thanks for sharing and congrats to these authors!
Thanks for the reviews, Denise!
You sure read a lot. Still, I did manage to read 3 books this month, a book of poetry and the other 2 are here in your fab reviews.
“The Real Stages of Grief” and “Something Fancy” are both wonderful books.
All these books sound terrific.