Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in January that are four stars or higher.
This is a beautiful collection of poetry infused with the colors of emotion. The poems are accompanied by a meaningful quote and a photograph that paint a complete picture. I always love it when nature and feelings are intertwined, like in this collection. As I read, I highlighted many passages, but I had to narrow them down to share here. “With smooth foggy fragments on soles of thought/I breathe in the seasons, burning within/murmuring shadows/and night…”—SHARDS OF LIGHTS, “I run along deep spirals made of words/the syllables like steps,/unwinding lightly/like in a dream I float, on air and lands/roaming through mists, and sighing/silently…”—SMILING YELLOW, “some cover the silence in words,/others, the words under silence/some dress the grey into color/and others the autumn in summers…”—SOME, OTHERS, and “Don’t lose the delicate dream…/Rays draw an infinite sight/Minutes gather like dew/Fabulous carpet of light…”—DEW DREAM NOTES. I can highly recommend this and will be reading more from this poet!
So Shall Ye Reap: BOOK #2 of the REVENGE SERIES
By Terry Tyler
I loved the first book in the Revenge Series and couldn’t wait to read the second installment of it. In the first of two novelettes, “Average Joe,” a young man named Joe liked to travel the world. When he’s in Vienna, he gets a phone call from his good traveling companion, Ziggy. Joe soon leaves his own plans and travels to Brazil for more adventures with his friend. Their big dream was to climb Everest, but they needed some money. Ziggy offers an idea that changes everything. Joe was a character that, if I could have shouted into the pages to stop him, I would have. An unexpected twist made things far worse than I could have guessed. This story not only focused on a friendship that became self-serving but also on betrayal and survival. How Joe handled himself later in life was the best part of the story. There is more focus on friendship in “King of the Playground.” Jerry and Mikkel were not only next-door neighbors but also best friends since they were six years old. Even with their closeness growing up and beyond, Jerry wanted to be popular and as liked as his friend was, but he was always second best to Mikkel. He carried this inadequacy into life and set out to prove just how successful he could be. While Mikkel lived a charmed life in Greece, dating a beautiful model and living easily, Jerry worked long hours to attain his goal of wealth. When Mikkel comes home with his new girlfriend, they reconnect, but Jerry is clinging to that grudge, unknown to Mikkel. Jerry was a character I could like, but at the same time, I wished he had gotten past his issues and listened to his mother’s wise advice. This narrative serves as a caution: be careful what you wish for. I can’t wait for the next book in this Revenge Series. A well-written, quick read that I can easily recommend.
Served Cold: BOOK #1 of the REVENGE SERIES
By Terry Tyler
“Served Cold” is two revenge-filled novelettes. Both stories were filled with twists I didn’t see coming as the characters’ pasts are revealed, offering an unexpected insight. In the first story, The Steal, Jodie had almost everything her heart desired. She had a husband she loved, a perfect house, friends, and a town she loved living in. Only one thing remained: a prospective child to enhance her happiness. Then the town welcomes a well-liked, attractive woman’s arrival. Jodie’s perfect life takes a hit that completely shocks her. The story switches over to the new woman in town, Alana, who starts sharing her side of the story. Then, it alternates between the two women. It slowly gives the complete picture of a disturbing past. Emotion-filled characters and twists that had me changing who I was rooting for. In the second story, Lucky Star, Stevie wakes up in a strange place with no memory of how she got in the cell-like room. All she remembers is going to sleep in her own bed. The confusion only intensifies when she and others are told they can’t leave, but have to play the game—or else. I felt like I was right there with Stevie, trying to figure out what was going on. I had many theories, but I never could have guessed the outcome. This was a truly chilling story that made me very glad both stories were novelettes, and I could finish each one in a single reading. There was no way I was going to put these fast-paced stories down once I started reading them. This was a well-written collection with gripping, flawed characters that I can highly recommend and can’t wait for the next in the series!
Summer’s Heart: (Book 2 Sweet Western Romance) The McIntyres
By Linda Broday
I loved meeting the McIntyres’ family in the first book and was eager to continue their journey. Summer and Cade are still trying to find their younger twin brothers and little sister, who were placed in homes after their parents’ murder. Cade had a lead and was off to find one of their siblings when a young patient ended up where Summer worked as a nurse. His story gives her hope that they may know where her brother is, but also fills her with fear as to his safety. Before her fiancé, Sheriff Dan, could investigate, a huge snowstorm hits the town, along with a woman who arrived claiming her baby was Dan’s. This left Summer unable to trust the man she loved, but more importantly, to get to her brother. I love the determination of Summer, and especially her brother Cade, as they attempt to reunite their family. I was also rooting for Dan and Summer to work out their differences, despite what was being said. Plus, the oldest brother, Jess, who had wanted posters with his face, makes an appearance. The 1800s western setting, characters, and storm set the stage for a tension-filled, page-turning read. I highly recommend this well-written story!
UPDATES
- Someone took all the books from my little library. I took that time to fix a small leak and let it dry. Later, with an armful of books, I found someone had refilled it with new books. So, I got some new reading material with A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci. I just finished it. I will rate these mainstream books but not review them, as sometimes I just need a break. I make sure to add some of my indie author friends. Good way to get new readers in my neck of the woods. Excited, this is working out so far.
- I also read and rated 1984 by George Orwell. I’d thought I’d read it years ago, but that was Animal Farm on my bookshelves instead. 1984 is a book that will leave you thinking long after you finish it, or at least it did me 🙂
- Watch for tomorrow’s post and guest!
Embrace that inner child with a great read! D. L. Finn (Denise)
A super line up. Thanks!
Happy to share them, Darlene 🙂 xo
Great reviews, Denise. The Blues and the Beautiful sounds like an amazing poetry collection. That’s kind of funny about you going to restock your Little Library and finding someone had beat you to it. I loved 1984, though parts of it horrified me. (And I was disturbed by but still loved Animal Farm.)
Thanks, Priscilla 🙂 I think a neighbor must have as many books as I do! I certainly don’t need more reading temptations lol. Both good reads that are not only disturbing but leave you thinking. Xo
Thank you kindly, Priscilla! Denise’s review brings a lot of joy, I am very grateful!
Great reviews, Denise! So nice of you to post them.
Thanks, Timothy 🙂 Always happy to share the good reads!
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I love all those reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing. I know Terry is too good at springing surprises in her stories! She is on my reading list. So is Sara.
Thanks, Balroop 🙂 Yes, Terry is very skilled at weaving in those surprises. You have some good reading ahead with both authors!
Excellent, Denise. I recently read Terry’s terrific book and saw on Sally’s site that Terry has the second book in the Revenge Series out now.
Thanks, Pete 🙂 Sally’s review reminded me I needed to read the first one and second of Terry. I’m eager for the next book.
ALL of these sound good. Dang! I thought I was cleaning out my TBR pile
Can’t go wrong with any of them, Jacqui. I’ve concluded my TBR pile is never going to get cleaned out!
Excellent reviews, Denise. Congratulations to Nicole, Terry, and Linda.
Thank you, John:)
Fantastic reviews, Denise! I also read Served Cold and Summer’s Heart and loved them. We always manage to read some of the same books. 😁 Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Jan 🙂 We do have similar reading tastes. Xo
Nice selection, Denise! I’ve got both of Terry’s books waiting. I love that someone filled up your Little Library again. I think I’ll put one of those at our new house once we get moved.
Thanks, Teri 🙂 You have some good reading ahead! Nice, I hope you get a Little Library up when you get settled. Living out in the woods we didn’t expect much traffic, but definitely is getting visits, so very happy about that.
Denise, my heart is filled with so much gratitude. Thank you for reading and reviewing Summer’s Heart. And to be mentioned with these other authors is thrilling. I wish them all much success. And you too. Thanks again.
I am always happy to see when you release a new book, Linda 🙂 Thrilled to share the review here. Thank you, I wish you lots of up coming success too. Xo
Denise, I enjoyed seeing your reviews. Congratulations to Linda, Terry, and Nicole (and I’m enjoying Nicole’s poetry very much). I agree that Orwell’s work is hugely thought provoking.
Your updates are exciting! It’s lovely that someone refilled the little library. Big hugs.
Thank you, Teagan 🙂 I can’t wait to read more of Nicole’s poetry! Orwell is very thought provoking and timely. Nice to have neighbors joining in and spreading the love of reading big hugs right back!
Thank you so much, Teagan! 💖
Nicole, it’s a lovely book. Congratulations. Hugs.
Another good collection, Denise. Nicely done.
Thanks, Dan 🙂 It was another great month of reading!
Congratulations to the three authors for the great reviews! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thanks, Liz 🙂 I always appreciate your sharing!
You’re welcome, Denise!
Thank you kindly, Liz!
You’re welcome, Nicole!
Looks like some excellent reads here. Terry is an amazing author and I’m sure Linda and Nicole are as well.
Thanks, Sandra 🙂 I agree about Terry and the others are just as good. Xo
Great reviews, Denise with all of the books.. The authors have to be over the moon!!! xx
Thank you, Cindy 🙂 All good ones so easy to review them!
Nicole’s poetry is always so positive and beautiful! I’m not very familiar with the other authors. Thanks for sharing your reviews!
I loved it, Dawn and its message. I can’t wait to read more. All good reads and authors xo
Hi Denise, you’ve featured some great books here. I’ve read Nicole’s first book and will be posting my review next week. I have a book of Linda’s and a book of Terry’s on my TBR.
I want to read Nicole’s first collection, Robbie. Hope to get to it this month. You have some good reading ahead with Terry and Linda!
Oh… thank you wholeheartedly, Denise!
Yes, lots of great reading coming out of this community 😊
Yes, and I can’t keep up with it in a good way!
I also struggle, Denise. Alexa’s made it easier.
Thank you so much, Robbie!
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Thank you very much, Denise, for your lovely review of my collection, and especially in such exquisite company! I am so happy you enjoyed my poems, I am most grateful! 💖 Many congratulations to Terry and Linda as well! Thank you kindly for sharing!
Loved your collection, Nicole! So happy to be able to spread the word with a review. Easy to do when its a good read like yours. Xo