Here are the books I read in July that were 4- or 5-star reads!
The Gilded Thespian Show (Shallow Draw Series Book 2)
by Mae Clair
I read and loved “Diamond Jack” and was thrilled to see the series continue with Shey’s best friend, Asher. Wisteria was the star of a traveling show, and her troop was coming to the town of a man she had almost married a year ago. Asher was a local rancher who was making the family ranch a success, and the man she almost married. Mixed into this failed romance were an out-of-control bully of a cowboy, a protective brother looking for work, and a secret the show’s owner kept to himself. The town was excited for this high-quality show, but a brutal attack followed. There were great characters, some with surprises I wasn’t expecting. I couldn’t help but root for Asher and Wisteria, but I also loved seeing Shey again and getting an update on his family. There were many layers to this western, making it hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to return to Shallow Draw. I can easily recommend this!
By Beem Weeks
“The Secret Collector” is a historical fiction set in 1910 Alabama. It is a coming-of-age story centered on the free-spirited, fifteen-year-old Violet. She is a strong character who questions not only her place in the world but also racial injustice and women’s rights. As the youngest sister, Violet just wants to have fun. To keep her out of trouble, she’s sent to help her sister at the end of her pregnancy. Here Violet finds a new freedom and knows how to manipulate adults, especially men. I loved her interactions with family and friends; she was loyal and caring. Violet also doesn’t hold back exploring her sexual awakening, and that could challenge some readers. Skillful writing defines this tale, with settings that leap off the page. It was easy to imagine her era and grasp a woman’s role then. I can definitely recommend this captivating story, with the warning about sexual content.
Also read, rated, and recommended:
(Thank you to Sandra Cox for the Little Library Book donations. I’m reading them before putting them in the library! The following are some of those books.)
The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
The Friend of the Family by Dean Koontz
Embrace your inner child; read a book this summer by the pool or lake. Denise
I just started Mae’s The Gilded Thespian Show. Thanks for the great review. Beem’s book is on my TBR list. So many greta books. Happy August!!
You are reading a good one, Darlene:) So many great books in our community. I just found two more to read that were just released Hapoy August!
Terrific reviews, Denise. Congratulations to Mae and Beem.
Thank you John 🙂
Two of my favorite authors, both books on my TBR list!
You have some good reading ahead, Noelle 🙂
Fab reviews, Denise, and congrats to both Mae and Beem! I didn’t know Dean Koontz had a new book out. (My goodness, he’s prolific.) I hope you like it and The Secret of Secrets.
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 I didn’t know about Dean Koontz new book either. It was different from his other stories. It was a full out character story. I did enjoy it. Better than that last few I read.
I loved both of these books, too, Denise. Both were unique and different and very well written. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to Beem and Mae!!
Yes both unique and different, I agree Jan. Happy to share these well written books!
Two authors whose work I’ve enjoyed before. I haven’t seen Mae around the blogs in forever, so that was especially nice to see.
They put out good books. It is nice to see Mae is still writing and giving us entertaining stories.
Thank you for the reviews, Denise! Sharing.
I appreciate the sharing, Liz:)
You’re welcome, Denise!
Wonderful of you to post your great reviews of the books by Mae and Beem, Denise!
Thank you, Timothy 🙂 Happy to share!
My pleasure, Denise. 😍
Excellent reviews, Denise, and one of Beem’s in there too. Many thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Laura 🙂 Love sharing my good reads!
I just finished Mae’s—Excellent! Beem’s looks good too.
Thank YOU for having a Little Library for folks to enjoy:) xo
It was a great story! Enjoying the Library and just finished Storms Warning. That was a good one! Xo
Glad you enjoyed it:)
You wrote great reviews for books that seem quite interesting
Thank you, Thomas 🙂 They certainly were!
Both are gorgeous book covers. Denise your writeups make the books sound as good as the covers too. Congrats to Beem and Mae. Hugs all around.
Yes, beautiful covers on both for sure and reads. Hugs back xi
Hi Denise, both books sound like great reads. I didn’t know about this book if mar’s. It’s good to know she’s still writing.
They were both good, Robbie 🙂 Yes, happy she is still writing too.
A big congrats to Mae and Beem! Somehow I didn’t realize Mae’s book was the second in a series. Clearly I have some reading ahead of me.
I’m enjoying Mae’s series. Definitely some good reading ahead 🙂
You’ve introduced me to some new authors. Thanks so much! 🙂 xxx
Always happy to do that, Marsha 🙂 I love finding new authors to read. Xo
Me too! I love your hashtag whattoread. I was trying to pronounce it Whatto read. Huh?
lol
We liked ‘The Secret Collector’ very much. It’s well written. We enjoyed it.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
I always enjoy your reviews Denise. Very enticing. Congrats to Beem and Mae. xo
Thanks Debby, I feel the same about yours xo
Just stopping by to say hey. Hope your day is filled with fun and creativity. xo
Hey right back! I hope the same for you, thanks xo
Both books sound promising. I have added them to my wish list. Thanks for sharing your lovely reviews, Denise.
You have some great reading ahead, Balroop 🙂
I love Beem’s cover.
How’s the editing going? xo
More great books, Denise! Thanks for your wonderful reviews, and Congrats to the authors! xo