Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in May that are four stars or higher.
The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland
Joy Neal Kidney, Lee Habeeb (Foreword)
This is a fantastic collection of family historical short stories and a few poems that were published and shared in the past. I’m glad I was able to read these heartfelt short reads from the past, and I found it so easy to relate to the stories. I connected to many of the author’s personal narratives, including one about lilacs, which I can’t wait for them to bloom every year, too. Sky gazing is something I do, and I appreciate those meteor showers. One story caught my eye about Jesse James and a horse. My family was from Missouri, and my great-grandmother had tales of the outlaw as well. There is not only an understanding of time periods, from the depression to more recent times, but it is also beautifully written. It is a reminder of how our relatives survived hardship and how the little things in life bring so much joy. I can highly recommend this nonfiction peek into our past.
Version 1.0.0Hopes, Fears and Reality: Stories, Poems and Personal Tales
By Alex Craigie
“Hopes, Fears and Reality” is a compelling blend of not only personal stories and poetry but also fiction. I enjoyed being entertained while learning a bit about the author. I had many favorites of reality, poetry, and fiction, so I’ll narrow my selection down to just a few. One was a story I could easily relate to, with that heart-pounding terror in the middle of the night: “Reality: Fear in the Night.” In “Hope on the Shore,” the words beautifully reflect the peace of standing on the ocean shore and the hope that it will be there in the future. “There was Nothing I Could Do” showed a woman who lacked self-perspective and empathy. Done so well, it was chilling to think of someone so self-absorbed that it wouldn’t occur to them to help a fellow human being. In only a hundred words, the scene was set in pure fear with a twist in “The Intruder.” And in the final example is a poem, “Bottling It.” It not only tackled addiction but also cleverly presented the words as a bottle. A wonderful collection that was not only a quick read but a satisfying one. I can easily recommend this!
An unknown person murders Ken Brady. The story then goes back and not only shows what type of person he was, but also the many suspects in the crime. Ken was a character I could easily hate, but I sympathized with the people around him. His mother, Lou, is a kindhearted widow who wants nothing to do with him. Monica, Ken’s ex, has two children from her marriage to Ken, who are 12 and 14 years old. Their father has no interest in his children, only finding ways to make Monica’s life miserable. Lou invites Monica, a struggling single mom, and her grandkids to live with her. Ken’s current girlfriend, the man in love with Monica, a piano teacher, an ex-con, a popular sports figure, and many others whose point of view is offered. Any of them would want Ken dead. This was a story that grasped me from the first page until the last, as I wanted to know who committed the murder. Yet, at the same time, I hoped they wouldn’t get caught, and everyone could get a happily ever after. Monica and her two children were the ones who captured my heart. Those three, along with the mother, definitely deserved some happiness. Did I guess the killer? The person was on my short list, but it still surprised me. A whodunit with heart and grit that I can easily recommend.
Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons: Poetry Treasures, #6
by Robbie Cheadle , Cindy Georgakas , Freya Pickard , V.M. Sang , Michelle Ayon Navajas , Marsha Ingrao , Nolcha Fox , Joy Neal Kidney , K. Morris , Jean-Jacques Fournier , Melissa Lemay , Yvette Prior, and Colleen M. Chesebro
I always look forward to the Poetry Treasures collections. This one focuses on the seasons. I love how each poet brought a different insight to this with thoughtful reflection, humor, everyday life, and wonder. The best part is not only that I find authors whose poetry I enjoy, along with the new ones introduced, but also the international flair. Each author had a month, but the month didn’t limit them to that one season. A special guest closed the book and left me with a smile. I enjoyed all the different types of poetry, including freestyle, symbolic, and flowing rhymes. I won’t focus on any favorite poems because they were all so unique and offered such wonderful poems; I enjoyed them all. Besides the poetry, I want to mention how beautiful the cover is, and I’m glad I bought it in book form to see it. I will be passing it on in my Little Library so others can enjoy it. I can easily recommend this collection!
Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! Denise
All of these books are on my TBR list. Thanks for the great reviews. I hope you are doing well. xo
You have a lot of great reading ahead, Darlene 🙂 Thank you, yes I am doing well and hope you are too. Xo
I’ve read 2 of these (Poetry Treasures 6 and The Immigrant and the Outlaw) and really enjoyed them. You’ve convinced me to pick up Hope, Fears and Reality, and wow, Fatal sounds gripping! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on each of these books, Denise!
They were sure great collections, Priscilla 🙂 I’m sure you will enjoy Hope, Fears, and Reality! Yes, Fatal was very gripping.
These are great reviews, Denise. I have two of these in the pile.
Thank you, Dan 🙂 You have some good reading ahead!
Thank you for these great reviews, Denise. My TBR list will grow.
Happy to share them, Timothy 🙂 My TBR is always growing too!
😍
I’ve already read and enjoyed Hopes, Fear, and Reality, and just finished The Immigrant and the Outlaw last night. Fatal sounds like something right up my alley, so I’m putting that one on my TBR list.
Sounds like we have a similar reading list, Pete 🙂 You have a good read ahead!
Hi Denise, thank you for this wonderful review of the latest Poetry Treasures. It is appreciated. All the other books look great. I have Alex’s coming up soon and I’ll get to Laura and Joy asap.
I always love my Poetry Treasures read, Robbie. You have some good reading ahead xo
Super reviews, Denise. Congratulations to the authors.
Thanks, John 🙂 All good ones!
Lovely reviews, Denise, thank you for sharing and congratulations to all the authors! Two of these books already are on my reading list as well. 😊
I would also like to let you know that I shared my review of your wonderful poetry collection, “Gratitude & No Fairy Tale” a couple of weeks ago on my blog, I enjoyed reading it very much. 💖 Here is the link, just in case,
https://starrysteps.wordpress.com/2026/05/15/mid-may-days-book-review-of-gratitude-no-fairy-tale-just-her-poetry-book-three-by-d-l-finn/
Thank you, Nicole 🙂 You have two good reads ahead! I haven’t been around the last few weeks, so thank you for letting me know about this. Exciting to come back to. xo
Thank you for sharing these, Denise. I’ve had my eye on Fatal and The Immigrant and the Outlaw. Your reviews made me want to go grab them! Congratulations to these authors!
Happy to share the good books read, Jan 🙂 Both ones I think you’d enjoy, I know I did!
Bless you, Denise, for you generous review of The Immigrant and the Outlaw. I’ve enjoyed Alex’s book and being included in Poetry Treasures 6. Now to get a hold of Fatal!
I made myself slow down so I could enjoy your book longer! It was fun having you in two books here. You have a good read ahead, Joy 🙂
Excellent reviews of a great group of books! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thank you, Liz 🙂 I always appreicate that sharing!
You’re welcome, Denise.
I’m also a fan of lilacs, and I’m hoping to plant some when we move. I know what you mean about the short list of suspects. I just finished a book and was positive I knew who the villain was and I didn’t even make a short list – I was wrong, lol. Great reviews, Denise!
Lilacs are pretty special. I only got one bloom this year as it heated up too early and confused the poor plant when it snowed on it. I love when I am wrong who the villian is, Teri! Hard to surprise me. xo
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing ‘Fatal’, Denise. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’ve read and loved Alex’s book, and I need to get to the others you’ve reviewed here. I’ll never run out of books, for sure! 🙂
I really enjoyed how you layed the story out, Laura 🙂 I hear you, I’m never going to run out of books too, but that’s a good thing!
Thanks for that, Denise. You know the work that goes into getting events in the right order, so I appreciate your praise here. 🙂
Once again, you’ve picked winners;) Congrats to all the authors.
xo
We are surrounded by winners, luckily. xo
wonderful post and you have given me ideas – also, cheers to seeing my name in the post title – you rock! hope you rmonth is off to a nice start
xxxx
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 I enjoyed the collection and your contribution. Yes, off to a good start hope yours is too. Xo
yes – things are well here – and hope you have a great month of June
So glad to see Lyndhurst and Craigie on your June list, Denise. I can recommend both and I’m excited to try some of your other reads! 🙂
Thanks for adding your recommendation, Patricia:) Such good reads. I don’t think you can go wrong with the others. Xo
Wonderful review, Denise. Thanks for reviewing Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons. All of the books sound like great reads. The last mystery sounds intriguing. A little mind candy to build brain cells solving murders. Fun!
Thank you, Marsha:) You can’t go wrong with any of them and I agree nothing like a good mystery! Xo
Thanks again for the mention and the great review. 🙂 xxx
I bet it was fascinating to hear stories about Jesse James from your grandmother:) xo
A lovely reading month with several standout books rated four stars and above. The highlight includes The Immigrant and the Outlaw, a powerful collection of heartfelt family stories and poems that leave a lasting impression.
Fab and enticing reviews Denise. I too enjoyed Alex’s book. Congrats to all that talented writers for your reviews. xox
Thanks for the wonderful review of Seasons. It was fun to participate, and it’s good to know that you enjoyed it, too.
It was a wonderful collection that I completely enjoyed 🙂