Bad Moon Rising Post #TeriPolen #writingcommunity #authors #badmoonrising #preorder #thankyou

Today I’m visiting Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising! It’s a month-long author celebration on her blog. We learn more about each other through fun questions and get to share a book. I look forward to not only reading but participating. What a great gift for our community. Before you head over to the post, check out one or more of Teri’s amazing stories. Here’s one of her most recent. Link at end of this post 🙂

The Power of Three

“Polen weaves an imaginative paranormal tale brimming with engaging characters, thrilling action, and well-crafted suspense. Perfect for fans of Supernatural and Grimm, The Power of Three will keep you on the edge of your seat until you turn the final page.” –Jane McGarry, fantasy author

Yesterday, a curse. Today, an inheritance. Tomorrow…may never come.

Beck Teller’s family bounced from one rental to another his entire life. When his father inherits an ancestral home, he and his siblings are thrilled to finally settle down, especially somewhere his family has roots. And those roots run deep—right to the on-site family cemetery where tombstone dates prove too many members met untimely fates.

When Beck and his two brothers begin experiencing inexplicable things, they grasp for practical explanations. Then their little sister gets a warning from beyond the grave, and the time for rationalizing is over. They pledge to protect their family and set out to identify the source of the danger and a means to defeat it.

They never expected to discover their house is haunted by a vengeful spirit who has vowed to destroy every descendant in the Teller line.

Centuries earlier, three Teller brothers battled the evil entity. Since then, her wrath has caused generations of suffering and untimely deaths. Now, three more Teller brothers will stand against this wicked being. But this time, the curse must be broken. If they win the final fight, they’ll banish the malevolent force forever. But if they lose, their family line ends…and they unleash hell on Earth.

My Review

Beck Teller and his family finally caught some luck by inheriting a house from a distant relative. They could pay off some hefty medical bills and find stability in the old home. His two brothers, little sister, and parents set out to tidy up the home. Each sibling gets a room, and things improve until strange things happen. One brother hears things, one sees things and Beck finds a hidden room full of holy water and salt. Plus, it shows the family may have had another occupation besides the furniture business. Beck is the middle brother who loves books, he is thrilled the house has a library. His brothers are more into sports, but they all agree about their little sister. She can do no wrong in their eyes. As the secrets unravel, it becomes clear this family is in danger and their safety might fall on the three brothers. I liked Beck’s character and his relationships with his brothers and little sister. It seemed natural how they got along, or didn’t, along with the humor. Still, they are always there for each other. Twists and surprises popped up along the way. I couldn’t help but root for the boys and found it hard to put down once they figured out what was happening and drew together. Although this is a YA it could be easily read by a high-end middle-grade reader or tween. If you enjoy cozy ghost stories centered on a haunted house and unsuspecting family, this book is for you!

Amazon Link

Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Sarah, her debut novel, was named a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Check out all her books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MYOUA6V/allbooks?_encoding=UTF8&

Here’s the link to my stop on Bad Moon Rising today: https://teripolen.com/2026/10/17/badmoonrising-when-theres-only-a-christmas-wish-by-d-l-finn-thriller-suspense-giveaway/

When There’s Only a Christmas Wish Post #SallyCronin #writingcommunity #thankyou #preorder #getwell

Earlier in the week, I had this blog post scheduled to thank Sally Cronin for the post on October 2nd to help promote my upcoming release. Then I heard she was in the hospital and pulled the post. After some reflection and some wise advice, I decided to go ahead with the post. My hope is that even if she doesn’t see this post, she’ll feel all our good vibes, prayers, and love from our writer’s community.

Here are a couple from her wonderful catalog of books that, if you have missed any, you are missing out on a great read!

Tales From the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces

by Sally Cronin

In the Irish Garden there is fantasy, magic, friendship and love to be found in this green and welcoming haven. For some of those who find their way to the garden there is a renewal and an awakening of the spirit and special gifts lost through tragedy. For others it is the end of a long and arduous journey to find their soulmate.

The Irish garden has been a sanctuary for centuries for those escaping persecution, invaders and grief. Its guardian is the storyteller, a man who has lived for hundreds of years and who is part of a network of guardians around the world, offering a safe haven to those worthy of their protection.

It is not only humans who travel from afar to this garden, but animals which are hurt or lost. One creature in particular has travelled across time following the elusive melody remembered from its time in an ancient civilisation, a cat who has reached its ninth life.

There is fantasy, magic, friendship and love to be found in this green and welcoming haven. For some of those who find their way to the garden there is a renewal and an awakening of the spirit and special gifts lost through tragedy. For others it is the end of a long and arduous journey to find their soulmate.

You are welcome to join the storyteller, Finn, Lilah, Ramon, Michael, Bebechat and Flaco in the garden to enjoy their company, discover their stories and be amused at some of the antics they get up to as they finally find a peaceful home to call their own.

Amazon link

My review

I loved the past Garden books with the fairies. The fairies have been gone for 200 years, leaving the Storyteller alone in his magical garden. His loneliness comes to an end when he finds a young man, Finn, who has lost everything and takes him in. From that moment, animals and more humans found their way to this beautiful sanctuary. Healing and hope take place there even though bad things are happening outside. I fell in love with all the new characters, including the crow, cat, dog, woman, musician, and boy, too. I found a sense of comfort that they could form a family unit together that went beyond the boundaries of the garden. Plus, as healing progressed, there was an opportunity for another chance at love, which I was rooting for. Although this could be read in one sitting, I forced myself to spread it out over two days, just so it didn’t end. I highly recommend this uplifting read, especially when we are surrounded by such dark news, and a reminder that magic and kindness still exist.

Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story

by Sally Cronin

The true story of Sam, a rough collie, written from his perspective. A tribute to a true friend and a genuine family member.

Millions of families around the World believe that their pet, dog or cat is the most intelligent, beautiful and loyal friend that anyone could have. And they are absolutely right.
From the first moment that I met Sam, when he was just three weeks old, his personality and charm shone from his button eyes. Like many pet owners, we were convinced he understood every word we spoke and he actually could say one or two himself. Rather than tell his story from our perspective I have given him a voice and let him tell his own.
I can only imagine what he really thought about his two and four-legged friends but I do hope he loved us as much as we adored him and the time he spent with us shining brightly in our lives.
If only our pets could talk how much richer the world would be, and funnier.

Amazon Link

Review by Lauren Scott

Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin is told in the voice of a handsome Collie, named Sam. I fell in love with Sam from the start. My dog, Copper, crossed over the rainbow bridge earlier this year, so ‘listening’ to Sam talk about his wonderful life with his mom and dad, Sally and David, was one way for me to get my dog fix.

I learned that Sam understood the English language, along with tones and emotions in voices. He was one smart canine! In the beginning, he tells of how his home came to be with his new dog parents, living in a gorgeous house in Ireland. Sam was intuitive, feisty, and entertaining. He met many friends in the form of foxes, feral cats, and rabbits. Henry was a ginger feral cat. We don’t think dogs can befriend cats, but Sam did, and Henry was one of his best friends. But when Sally found Henry, he was lying on death’s doorstep. It was heartwarming and emotional to read how she saved his life.

Aside from making friends, Sam loved to eat, and a few dining favorites were sausage, cheese, and ice cream. When he played in the snow, he thought he was playing in one huge bowl of the cold, delicious treat! During the holidays, he kept his dog parents on their toes by getting into Christmas gifts. But he was kind enough to share his bones with David and loved cuddling with Sally on the floor. The cuddling part reminded me of when Copper and I used to share those special moments. Sam loved long walks on the beautiful beaches, feeling “sand between his toes.” I loved how Sally used to sing during car drives, and Sam loved to listen to his mom’s singing voice. Shania Twain was their favorite country singer.

When I read through this heartwarming account of Sally and David’s best friend in Sam’s voice, I had moments with tears, laughter, and cuteness overload. The photos of Sam are beyond adorable, and the family photos are so beautiful. I could feel Sally’s love for her shaggy friend in each chapter. She knew what Sam needed, what any animal needed to feel loved. So, if you’re a dog lover, cat lover, or if you have a heart for animals in general, this book is for you!

Amazon Link

Author Bio

Sally Cronin is the author of nineteen books including her memoir Size Always Matters in 2024. This was an updated version of her first book, Size Matters published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 27 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another eighteen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book is part of a three book series set in a garden in Spain and then in Ireland. Tales from the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces brings together creatures and people in need of a sanctuary, where they can spend their lives in peace.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities on her blog Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and across her social media.

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Check out the rest of her books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sally-Cronin/author/B003B7O0T6?

Thanks, Sally, for all you do for our community, and I’m praying you get well soon. xo

New Release! Drawn into Malice by #StaciTroilo #writingcommunity #mustread #mystery #newrelease

I wanted to spread the word about Staci Troilo’s latest book, Drawn into Malice, and share my review of it.

Blurb

Grace may teach the heart to fear, but a killer can make it stop beating.

When a prominent attorney is found dead in his sprawling mansion, Detectives Paxton and Walsh are called to the scene. As they dig deeper into the lawyer’s carefully curated life, they uncover a masterpiece of deception fueled by mounting debts, multiple affairs, and myriad enemies. What’s crafted to look like a mishap proves to be a meticulously constructed execution. Layers of deception transform a simple investigation into a labyrinth of motives, secrets, and lies.

When the death toll rises, the pressure cooker explodes. The victims seem unrelated, but a sinister thread weaves them all together. With leads fizzling and suspects dwindling, Paxton and Walsh find themselves chasing a murderer who is always one step ahead, and the deeper they dig, the more danger they’re in.

Many artists choose paint for their medium, but one has a preference for blood… and is drawn into malice.

Paxton & Walsh stories deliver the unflinching loyalty and sharp humor of Robert Crais’s Elvis Cole & Joe Pike novels, the dogged determination and complex cases of Michael Connelly’s Bosch & Ballard, and the rural atmosphere and lawman partnership of Craig Johnson’s Longmire series.

My Review

I’m a huge fan of Detectives Paxton and Walsh and was excited for the third book. This was another fantastic cozy mystery and the best one so far. It starts with the death of a rich lawyer, Grant Noble. But this isn’t just about one case. Paxton and Walsh juggle multiple cases, making it a page-turner. My favorite part is the detectives’ relationship, which is more like brothers than just friends, and their banter. Some of the comebacks had me laughing out loud. The setting made me feel like I was there with them, but the best part was the food. Luckily, I read with a full stomach, but I still wished I could have what they were eating or talking about. A very layered story with many unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing and changing my mind until the reveal. You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend going back and reading the first two. I don’t want to say too much or give anything away, so I’ll end my review here, with my highest recommendation for this well-written whodunit!

AMAZON LINK

Staci Troilo grew up in Western Pennsylvania writing stories and poetry in her free time, so it was no surprise that she studied writing in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, she went on to get her Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and she worked in corporate communications until she had her children. When they had grown, she went on to become a writing professor, and now she is a freelance writer and editor.

Staci is a multi-genre author. Her fiction is character-driven, and despite their protests, she loves to put them in all kinds of compromising or dangerous situations.

You can find out more about her on her website (stacitroilo.com).

Next read is another new release: Painting Christmas by Jan Sikes. AMAZON LINK

October Book Reviews! #DanAntion #PatriciaFurstenburg #DawnPasturino #SylviaKayRose #NicholasCRossi #LindaBroday #MaggieWatson #whattoread #mustreads #bookreviews #writingcommunity

Here are the books I read in September that I rated four or five stars.

The Museum Murders: A Rascal Todd Mystery

By Dan Antion

Rascal the journalist is back with a new mystery. She is pulled into a case where a woman’s sister disappears, and a man dies in an accident. The story has many twists and turns as Rascal tries to figure out what is going on. I love the setting and learning about Pittsburgh, including an old canal and the underground railway. There is lots of good food along the way, even for Bonkers the cat, and sports mixed in. Makes me feel like I’ve been to Pittsburgh, but I haven’t yet. Rascal is a favorite character along with Bonkers, and I love her relationship with both her boss and boyfriend. I changed my mind more than once about who I thought the killer was, but in the end I was surprised by how it all played out. This is a good cozy mystery that I can easily recommend!

Hermannstadt, 1241: The Mongol Invasion – A Short Story

By Patricia Furstenberg

I have been enjoying the historical fiction stories set in Transylvania. I was eager to read this short story that focused on the Mongolian attacks. Katharina and her family lived in a new settlement, full of hope. Rumors of village attacks circulated, but they dismissed them as gossip. Katharina spent time exploring the forest and met a new friend. Her new friend taught her which plants were safe to eat and where to find things. The setting was so beautifully presented that I could imagine being there with them, walking through the forest. The research is woven in so nicely that I learned and was entertained at the same time. I couldn’t put the story down as I had to know what happened to this girl and her village. This is a group of people that I would love to know more about. I can highly recommend this read!

The Punishment: A Gothic Horror Microfiction Story
by Dawn Pisturino

This is a very short Halloween read for a lunch break, during advertisements, or when you just need a quick break from what you are doing. This little story takes the throwing rocks at an old house theme in a new direction. I could easily imagine the setting, which was accomplished in very few but meaningful words. The ending surprised and upset me, which means it was able to touch my emotions. I couldn’t check out the interactive link on my old Kindle, but it’s a good idea to add that at the end of the story. A good scary read for the season.

Killer Compost

By Sylvia Kay Rose

“Killer Compost” cleverly blends sci-fi, drama, comedy, and horror in an apocalyptic story. On Earth, an apocalyptic war rages between humans and robots led by a human; meanwhile, the hidden space station Pharos houses scientists. The group works on a living compost to repair the damage the robots are causing as they try to kill or capture humans. When one of the scientists goes missing, things change quickly. While on Earth, Druscilla and her sidekick scientist, Leo, want to control the world. Leo is creating a huge robot to kill the pockets of humans they haven’t already put in camps to chip and control. Lance, a cargo and mercenary space captain, arrives at the space station with supplies and gets caught up in what is going on aboard the ship. In the mix is a hidden rebel base on Earth that works with the space station, trying to save humanity and the planet, plus pockets of the super-rich who found ways to survive. The story has a big cast of characters, but the ones that stood out to me were a helpful, lovesick android named Mary Lou and Lance, who kind of reminded me of Han Solo. I could sympathize with the compost, ERCA, as well. This is a well-written, entertaining read, and I was rooting for the good robots and humans to save the world and themselves. I can easily recommend this page-turner!

Infinite Waters: A Collection of Science Fiction/Speculative Fiction Short Stories

Nicholas C. Rossis

“Infinite Waters” is a short story collection tied together by the “Infinite Waters” story. In this story, a writer goes in to get her future read and advice. Her story is told between the other stories, making this a unique read. I won’t pick a favorite because I enjoyed them all. Although it was a quick read for me, there was a lot packed into those stories. Well written and hard to put down. I can easily recommend this collection!

Bright is the Light: A Christmas Novel

By Linda Broday

A former Civil War soldier, Calder couldn’t escape its horrors. He drifted from town to town, ending up in a Texas town called Jubilee right before a snowstorm was about to hit. He found a family renting out a room and only planned to stay a while before moving on. Kate is the daughter who is caring for her disabled mom and a younger brother, Micah, who most people believe is simple-minded and should be institutionalized. My favorite relationship that develops is between Micah and Calder, and of course, the pup. Both the family and Calder have been through trauma, and how they interact is so heartwarming. The story offers a chance to heal, second chances, and a realistic setting, but the focus on the lantern and the tradition behind it captured my imagination. What a wonderful tradition to try to recreate on Christmas Eve. This is a beautifully written story of broken people and hope. It is the perfect read for the holidays, and if you need inspiration, this is the story for you. I can easily recommend it.

Pieces of Me: A Collection of Poems

By Maggie Watson

“Pieces of Me” is a painful yet beautiful written collection of poetry broken into three parts that centers on mental abuse suffered in a relationship. The raw emotion paints a picture of how words can chip away at the soul. The words stirred so many emotions in me, including anger, sadness, and admiration for being able to not only move past it but share it. Here are some that touched me: “She was me, but she could have easily been you./Like a hunter, that stalk their prey before they choose their next victim./I don’t call myself a victim…”—SHE, “Her ink is the light on her darkest nights./It is her anchor when she is drowning…”—HER STORIES, “For years, a marionette on a string./With sadness in her eyes./ A plea for freedom unheard by all…”—MARIONETTE, “A candle extinguished./ I relinquished my soul./The flame of my spirit I did forego…”—EXTINGUISHED, “Rivers of pain once eroded my spirit/while oceans of tears flowed from my eyes…”—FIGHTBACK, and “I am a leaf blowing in the wind./ I am a bird that soars and flies…”—I AM (BECOMING). Heartfelt poems that not only show what gaslighting is but make us feel it. I can easily recommend this.

Feed that inner child by reading a great book! Denise

Painting Christmas by @jansikes #newrelease #preorder #writingcommunity #christmasreading

I’m thrilled to share that friend and fellow author, Jan Sikes, has a new Christmas book available to preorder. I picked up my copy and can’t wait to read it!

Painting Christmas

by Jan Sikes

He came to escape a shattered life — Christmas had other ideas.

Jacob Hawke had everything an artist could dream of until a single devastating moment ripped it all away.
Drowning in grief and guilt he can’t outrun, he drifts through small Kentucky towns, painting Christmas scenes on storefront windows. Each brushstroke conveys a bit of beauty to strangers, while doing nothing to fill the hollow space inside him.

His wanderings bring him to Sutter’s Gap, where sisters Darcy and Beth hire him to bring Christmas to Briscoe’s Tavern, the bar they’ve inherited from their grandfather. Jacob’s quiet presence coats their lives like a wash of soft color, revealing parts of themselves they’d long since painted over.

What begins as a tenuous friendship leads to uncovering buried secrets and unexpected discoveries, adding new hues to the palette. Choices loom that will change the picture for all of them.

Often that which is believed to be lost for good may simply be slow in finding its way home.
And the only way to see the future is to paint over the past.

PREORDER PURCHASE LINK

About the author

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I had no ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music matching the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain. I have now written numerous short stories, a series of paranormal romances and a series of historical fiction.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am an dedicated fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Embrace your inner child by reading a holiday book! Denise

When There’s Only a Christmas Wish Preorder! #writingcommunity #upcomingrelease #preorder #Christmas #secondchances

Happy Fall! I’m excited to share that my new Christmas story comes out on November 1st, and it’s now available for preorder.

When There’s Only a Christmas Wish

BLURB

Can a Christmas wish—and the kindness of strangers—save Ana from a past that refuses to let her go?

Ana Castle stopped believing in Christmas wishes long ago, but desperation drives the young widow to make one by a store’s festive twinkling tree. After barely escaping a fire meant to kill her and losing her parents, best friend, and husband, all Ana wants is the opportunity to start over. Instead, sickness forces her to miss work, and her next paycheck will barely cover the rent. She must make the long, cold walk to a local food bank. There, an unexpected act of kindness from a grandmotherly volunteer named Carla gives Ana her first glimmer of hope in a long time. But that hope quickly fades when a black SUV begins appearing wherever she goes. Ana fears her late husband’s criminal past has caught up with her. To add to her worries, she must break some rules to follow her heart, and that decision changes her life. Anna soon learns surviving will take more than just a Christmas wish. She’ll need to accept a dash of trust, friendship, and love before the past takes away her last chance at a future.

UNIVERSAL PREORDER LINK

NOTE: Looking for a few hosts this November to help me celebrate my release! If interested, please email me at d.l.finn.author@gmail.com with a date in November that will work for you. I won’t be doing any posts Thanksgiving weekend 🙂

The newsletter came out yesterday. If you subscribe, it’s in your email.

Embrace your inner child by reading a holiday tale! Denise

From Finn’s Forest #32 #writerslife #writingcommunity #forestliving

Hi,

Recently, I looked out the window and watched the birds and turkeys enjoying the birdseed. One of my small pleasures in life is watching the wildlife that lives in our forest. I love to capture it in photographs and poetry.

Here are some of the pictures I’ve taken over the years of our animal visitors, along with some recent poetry.

POEMS

it took a moment
sitting amongst giant trees
to hear their wisdom

my serene moment
in-between scheduled events
fall-hued butterfly
captures my wandering gaze
in life’s reality show

PHOTOS

black bear climbing tree

bird in snow — Some visiting birds that I offered food to.

I’m still trying to get a photo of an opossum, coyote, owl, hawk, and mountain lion. For the mountain lion and coyote picture—I will stay safely in the house.

NOTE: Had another busy week with a sick grand who had an antibiotic reaction. She is completely recovered, but that was scary. Fingers crossed for this week!

Animals and nature will always be a big part of my writing. Embrace your inner child by exploring. Denise

September Book Reviews! #KathleenJShields #LizzieChantree #DanCostinas #PatriciaFurstenberg #BalroopSingh #EstherMoonstomp #whattoread #mustread #Writingcommunity #readingcommunity

Here are the books I read in August that were four- or five-star reads!

The First Unicorn, Miracle on Wonder Island: A Faith-Based Fantasy Adventure for Ages 8–12 Inspired by Biblical Truth

By Kathleen J. Shields

This fun, insightful children’s read blends fantasy with Christianity. Aden is a white horse with a red mane, different from the rest of his herd. He is driven to help other animals, and he is rewarded for that. Here, he follows his heart. His journey is based on showing love, kindness, and helping where he can. It mirrors Jesus’s path in a way that children and adults can understand. I found the message of bringing love and light into the world very uplifting, especially with the division and fear so common now. The end includes questions to help readers study the message further, along with an explanation of the story. This would be good as a family read or for children reading chapter books who want to explore their faith more.

Enemies to Everything at Cornflower Cove: A heartfelt later life romance about small town love, second chances and starting over. (Cornflower Cove Romances Book 1)

by Lizzie Chantree

Recently divorced, Ali takes a break from her family’s hotel to help her best friend, Freddie. She throws herself into saving this oceanside resort when an ex-boyfriend, Nick, who broke her heart, shows up to help too. I love the friendship between her and Freddie, but the chemistry between her and Nick and an unresolved past showed why they had been together in the first place. The only issue was the lack of communication that plagued this couple throughout the story. While they worked through their problems, I was intrigued by the setting. I love the idea of a hotel with a reading room and books in each cottage, plus an ocean view—I would definitely stay there! There were a couple of twists that surprised me, and the romance followed a bumpy path that I did expect. I liked the progression of Ali finding herself and bringing some light to what she’d been dealing with alone. A fun romantic read that I can easily recommend.

Haiku: It Is Not Too Late To Restore Planet Earth

By Dan Costinaş

This is a collection of haiku poetry that tackles the serious subject of climate change. After a heartfelt introduction and history, this is broken into three sections: D for despair, H for hope, and E for experimental. In E, although the poems are written in the 5/7/5 format, they aren’t being called haikus. Here are just a few examples from the collection: “burning sands take flight/red wind dances on a dry breeze-/sun sets, choked in dust” D10, “nature’s gentle sigh/just silent woodland’s echoes-/anaemic shadows” D31, “a helping hand stretched/darkness fades, a new day dawns-/light guides us ahead” H12, “verdant shots emerge/nature’s promise fresh and bright-/hope’s soft, gentle hue” H25, “shadow softly dream/silent mobs of hidden thought-/guiding all we seem” H50, and “unbelievable/unconventionality-/determination” E4. This was a beautiful collection that not only focused on our current climate issues but also on the hope beyond them. I enjoyed all the poetry, but hope held a special place for me. I can easily recommend this for poetry lovers and those who are worried about the climate.

The Wife of Kronstadt: Medieval Mystery of Transylvania (Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows)

by Patricia Furstenberg

“The Wife of Kronstadt” is a companion short story to “When Secrets Bloom,” which I loved. Set in 1421 Transylvania, it is a historical murder mystery where healthy women are dying. The town physician declares it a fever, but his wife Gertrude doesn’t believe that. She soon learns there is more going on than just simple deaths. The research and focus on details, mixed with the poetically described settings, is the standout in this story. Gertrude is a strong character with a husband who didn’t think much of women’s opinions. This quick read was a nice addition to this series, and I look forward to reading more.

Seasons and Crystals

By Balroop Singh

I have always enjoyed Ms. Singh’s poetry collections and was eager to read this one. The focus in this book is on syllabic poetry, broken down into different forms, like haiku or tanka. There is an informative explanation at the beginning of each section. It gives insight into the parameters within which this poetry was created. I’m a fan of this type of poetry and found many favorites as I was reading. Here are a few: “dark, windy winter/hisses like a venomous viper/cold light casts shadows” WINTER, “a light within her/illuminates dead desires/that gasp with the waves” LIFE, “A windy morning, humming the song of autumn, stretches its arms to kiss the dew on the grass. Young trees waltz, but the old oak watches steadily, blending his rhythms with the wind…” A MORNING WALK, “lustrous light of clouds/guides me into the future,/whispers words of faith/embracing self-confidence./I step forward in wonder.” TANKA, “A/long bridge,/flanked by/bamboo forest/arching over me;/a delusive journey….” BUT I WALK, and “A babbling brook held me captive/Transfixed to the path, I sang the same song/You went ahead, I am tied/to the moment…” A MOMENT. This is a beautiful collection of nature, seasons, and heartfelt emotions that is meant to be enjoyed more than once. I can easily recommend this!

Myths and Magic (Saffy’s Secret Quest Book 2)

By Esther Moonstomp

Saffy, her mother, her curious brother, and her living little statue dragon, Lily, take a trip to the museum. They are searching for clues to heal Lily and her world after a witch cast a spell on them. While Lily and Saffy search, Narla the witch tries to stop them. This is another fun adventure in the series as they work their way through the clues and hopefully to the outcome of healing Lily and Mandoreum. I look forward to the next book to see where the clues lead. A great children’s book for chapter readers or with their parents, as well as adults looking for a sweet story.

OTHER BOOKS READ THAT I RATED FOUR OR FIVE STARS!

Storm Warning (Dez Limeric, #4) by James Byrne (Thanks, Sandra!)

Embrace your inner child by diving into a great book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

From Finn’s Forest #31 #updates #authorlife #forestliving #writingcommunity #nature #writer

Hi!

I had a wonderful Beatle Birthday. It was a nice celebration with family, plus we made a quick trip to Portland to see our son. It has been 19 months since I last got a hug from him. It was a ten-hour drive, and we only had one day to visit, since I had to get back for an appointment. It was worth it, though, and we packed a lot into that one day. We had a nice lunch, swam in the river, and enjoyed a tasty shrimp-and-steak dinner his girlfriend and friends prepared for us. It was nice to see where he lives, works, and just visit!

After that end-of-July vacation, I was getting back into my routine when a busy period came up. We got in lots of family time. Started with taking the younger grands to the fair and watching them dance with their dance school, and then watching them do more rides.

The younger ones stayed with us a couple of times, and that meant back-to-school shopping and, of course, ice cream and finding those squishy toys they all love.

We also attended a party for my sister-in-law’s 70th birthday, and the next day we had a celebration at our house for our grandson, who turned 18.

Things were about to calm down as school started, but one of my grands got sick and couldn’t go to school after the first day. She stayed here, and after a doctor’s visit, we found out it was strep throat. So she hung out here until she was better and could get back to the first week of school.

Then it was quiet. I worked on the poetry I’ve written this year on my computer, then finished my newsletter when I got a message from my youngest daughter, Danielle, that she had to evacuate her home. She works from home, and her husband was at work. So I hung out with her and her kitties. My cats weren’t big on socializing with them. Luckily, they got the fire under control after a few hours, and she was able to return home. She found that the fire line they bulldozed was at the top of her property. They live at the bottom of a slope. That was way too close. My other daughter, Desiree, who runs a preschool, had to shut down as they were in the warning zone.

So that was an eventful day for everyone. They did arrest the person who started it; it sounds like he burned down his own house, and it spread to 13 acres. It is definitely fire season here, but when it’s intentionally set and not from lightning or an accident, then it makes it all the worse.

That is just part of living in the forest and foothills, and more so the last few years. We started a firewise group in our neighborhood, and we have two-way radios to communicate. Everyone has cleared around their houses, and we’ve discussed putting sprinklers on our roof. Plus, we’re lucky to have some of the best firefighters around and the planes nearby. Although I prefer not to test out all the precautions we’ve taken to stay safe.

This week, I’m becoming a dance grandma, picking the younger ones up from school and getting them to dance. I will be brushing up on my ballet bun skills.

Right before this all got started, I got my book to the editor too. Whew!

So that’s where I’ve been. Now I can finish my blurb and set a release date.

I’m hoping to be back on schedule; I’ve missed visiting everyone!

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks:

Someone left this in the Little Library. Cute!

The girls and I at the fair, Grass Valley

Zuzu likes to sit next to me when I write. She is a little big for the basket, though…lol

I took this pic through the screen. This little hummie supervised my writing.

Smoky Oregon skies make for great sunsets.

Yes, we played the Beatles song to go with it.

Embrace your inner child by looking through their eyes. Denise

August Book Reviews! #BeemWeeks #MaeClair #bookreviews #whattoread #mustread #writingcommunity

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!

The Secret Collector

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