Book Reviews – Author D.L. Finn

November Book Reviews! #KayeLynneBooth #MarshaIngrao #TerriSchrandt #JanSikes #StaciTroilo #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #DawnPisturino #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustread

Welcome to my book reviews! These are books I read in October that are four stars or higher. I also added books I read but didn’t review, though I did rate them.

Midnight Madness: A Carnival of Nightmares: Midnight Anthology Series, #4

by Kaye Lynne Booth, Christian De Matteo, Abe Margel, Mark Milstead, Chris Barili, C.R. Johansson, DL Mullan, Paul Martz, Lindsey Martin-Bowen, Robb T. White, Rebecca M. Senese, Zack Ellafy, and Joseph Carrabis

“Midnight Madness” is a collection of well-written short stories that dips into readers’ fears, as the blurb promises. I won’t focus on any one story, because they were all so different and kept me engaged. What I liked best was that they were familiar authors, but also many new to me. My favorite themes are characters struggling with right and wrong and survival, and I saw that in many of the stories. A few stories left me thinking after I finished reading them. It’s a great collection for fans of horror, paranormal, and mystery, and I can easily recommend this anthology!

The Quiet Power of Blogging: Why Blogging Still Matters in a TikTok World

By Marsha Ingrao, Terri Schrandt

When I began blogging thirteen years ago, I jumped in without knowing what I was doing. “The Quiet Power of Blogging” would have been the perfect guide then, but it still inspires me as a blogger today. The conversational tone makes me feel like we were sitting down and chatting about this subject. I loved all the blogger quotes, the idea of giving the blogs our personality, and, most importantly, the community and friends we make along the way. I’ve been questioning whether to continue my blog, but this book made me realize how much I’d miss not only posting but visiting all my friends. The information and suggestions are well thought out and presented for creating and maintaining a blog. This is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to start a blog, and for those who already have one. I can highly recommend this book!

The Séance: A Gothic Paranormal Short Story

By Dawn Pisturino

The Séance is a fantastic short read, and the cemetery setting feels like a character in its own right, with lush descriptions. Lila makes the trek to her husband’s grave each Halloween, his birthday, hoping to hear from him, as promised. I couldn’t help but sympathize with Lila and her determination to contact her husband from the beyond. I won’t give away how it ended, but I love that this was based on Harry Houdini and his promise to his wife. A well-written short story to curl up and read on a cool fall or winter night, and perfect for the Halloween season. I can highly recommend this!

Painting Christmas

By Jan Sikes

I was looking forward to a heartwarming Christmas story that reminded me of the good in people, and that’s exactly what this is. Artist Jacob has been running from his past, going from town to town to paint windows. He ended up at a Sutter Gap bar. I loved the relationship between sisters, Darcy and Beth, who inherited the bar from their grandfather. Jacob takes his first job in town, painting a Christmas scene on their window. The friendship that evolves between Jacob and the sisters felt real to me. Darcy and Beth were so realistic that they reminded me of sisters I know in real life. I’d like to live in the town, even without the amenities most towns have, but the story’s emotional depth is what really pulled me in. It was hard to put down because I wanted to know what happened to Jacob and the sisters. Jacob, Beth, and Darcy each have their own stories to tell, woven seamlessly into this well-written, quick read that reminds us of what’s important. A perfect holiday read, or for any time of year you want an inspiring second-chance story. I can highly recommend this!

Drawn into Malice (Paxton & Walsh Mysteries Book 3)

by Staci Troilo

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!

A Peril in Unseen Frequencies: A Medium’s Peril Book 4

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

This novelette, set in the 1920s, opens with familiar characters. Clover meets with Phineas for sodas and tells him this story. Clover, an apprentice to a famous medium, becomes a temporary assistant to a rich widow, Etha, who has a heart condition. Etha needs to remain calm, and her devoted nephew, who is staying with her, suggests a crystal radio. Against Etha’s better judgment, they get it, along with a little elevator to get her up the stairs. When alone, she hears things other than what should come out of a radio. Etha is a fun character, and I like how kindly she treats everyone, including her staff. Clover gets messages from the beyond that warn her, but she doesn’t understand the message. Although I started to get suspicious of certain people’s motives, I couldn’t have predicted the outcome of this paranormal cozy mystery. A quick read with a detailed setting and fun period lingo that made it easy to become enmeshed in the story. This is part of a series, but it can be a standalone read. I can easily recommend “A Peril in Unseen.”

Halloween Treat: A Gothic Horror Short Story

By Dawn Pisturino

Tommy passes by an old house and is curious. He asks his grandfather about it and learns a few new things. While trick-or-treating with his friend, he gets a surprise involving this house. Although this is a short story, the setting is lush and vivid, and I can easily imagine the old house. There are a few twists I didn’t see coming. It’s a perfect read for the Halloween season, or anytime you want something short and entertaining with a touch of horror and scares. I can easily recommend this!

Great Books Read that I rated

The Gatekeeper (Dez Limerick #1) by James Byrne (Thanks, Sandra!) five-stars

Embrace that inner child by reading a great story! Denise

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

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)

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

July Book Reviews! #TerryTyler #SylviaKayRose #LindaBroday #EstherMoonstomp #bookreviews #mustread #writingcommunity

Here are the books I read and reviewed in June that are four or five-star reads!

Jess’s Reckoning: (Book 3 Sweet Western Romance) The McIntyres

By Linda Broday

I have read the first two books and loved them, but was eager to get to Jess’s story. Jess McIntyres seeks revenge for his parents’ deaths. He has been hunting down the killers under an alias name and is accepted in the outlaw world. He is pursuing the most dangerous one, Lone Wolf and his gang, but he is also being followed by Abigail. She is a determined journalist who runs her own paper and not only wants his story, but to keep him safe. He takes her to a town, believing she’ll be safe there. Jess makes it into the place run by Lone Wolf, who controls everything and everyone there. Plus, there is one sibling left to find after the kids were scattered following the parents’ murder. Jess passes Lone Wolf’s approval when someone from a past gang recognizes him. What he quickly learns is that once you are there, you can’t leave. Unfortunately, he hadn’t deterred Abigail from following him. She shows up with some women who offer their services to the men. Lone Wolf puts Jess in charge of the group and begins to learn that this isn’t just about his revenge. There is a town hidden behind doors, and a woman he doesn’t want to care about to consider. Abigail and Jess are strong characters who both have a deep sense of justice. There are a few surprises that I wasn’t expecting, plus secondary characters who were equally as strong and easy to root for. Surprise allies were in the mix, along with a dog I couldn’t help love. The settings were so vivid, and the family’s history really added depth to the western romance. I can highly recommend this and the entire series!

Giant Shrews from Outer Space

By Sylvia Kay Rose

“Giant Shrews from Outer Space” reminded me of the old black-and-white B-movie creature movies I used to watch as a kid. Along with that, this felt more modern, with the added gore and cell phones. Sixteen-year-old Claire is being driven by her mom, Linda, to visit and stay with her dad, Conner. They broke down in a small, old mining town, Abundance. They try to call Conner, but he’s buried in his work as he always is, so they end up being stranded there. The town takes advantage of Linda and Clare’s misfortune while their own citizens are being brutally killed. When Claire and her new friend, Andy, try to warn the town to stay away from the mine because there are giant killer shrews, they are ignored. The multiple POVs are not all human perspectives but include the shrews and ghosts. There is humor, especially from the shrews who view humans as cattle, while unexpected heroes emerge as the town becomes isolated. This dark fiction has sci-fi, horror, a bit of romance, greed, and family dynamics. It was an entertaining read!

The Secret Dragon

By Esther Moonstomp

“The Secret Dragon” is geared towards young readers. It is the first of six in a series where the story continues into the next book. Saffy is bored. She was on a break, but her family was unable to go anywhere. It has been raining, and she decides to go outside to her backyard when there’s a break in the weather. She finds a ratty-looking little dragon statue on a bench. When she picks Lily the dragon up, the fantasy part of the story begins, and a mysterious world needs her help. It’s a cute, fast-read fantasy with dragons, royalty, and witches. I was curious what would happen next, as her journey has only begun and continues in the next book. Fun for kids or for parents to share reading experiences with their children.

Two Graves (REVENGE Book 3)

by Terry Tyler

I have been enjoying this revenge series and was eager to read the third one. The two stories focused on two women’s marriages falling apart, but they handled it in completely different ways. In the first novelette, “The Torment of Frances Cullen,” Fran put aside her desires as a young girl to marry her sweetheart. She thought she had the happily ever after, but it soon became clear she was there to make him look good at all times and follow his plan. Although she didn’t get the education she wanted, she had her family, job, and house. They moved up to a gated community and socialized with women she didn’t care for. Then, everything changed, and her husband was tossing her aside. Fran couldn’t recover from this rejection, and the story took a dark and surprising twist. In the second story, “The Content Creator,” Jennifer is a journalist who lands her own local show. Her marriage gives her a child, Lydia, but also a betrayal she discovers later. Her husband moves on to his second wife, who is a great stepmother for Jennifer’s daughter. It all seems very civil. Then the ex moves on to a younger woman, Sook, a content creator who impresses Lydia. When Lydia confides in her mother, Jennifer makes a decision that changes her and others’ lives. The twist at the end was a surprise as the truth was revealed. Another great addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one. I can easily recommend this.

ALSO READ: Here I left a four or five-star rating

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! Denise

June Book Reviews #AlexCraigie #LauraLyndhurst #RobbieCheadle #ColleenMChesebro #CindyGeorgakas #VWSang #MarshaIngrao #JoyNealKidney #YvettePrior #whattoread #mustread #writingcommunity

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!

FATAL

By Laura Lyndhurst

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

May Book Reviews! #SallyCronin #SylviaKayRose #JanSikes #CSBoyack #writingcommunity #mustreadbooks #whattoread

Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in April that are four stars or higher.

Tales From the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces

By Sally Cronin

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.

Squirrels: Protect Your Nuts!

by Sylvia Kay Rose

I found this book and author through a review and was taken in by the idea of killer squirrels. It is a mix of horror, some gore, and comedy. To make a cute little squirrel evil takes a lot, and within this story, it made sense. Ellie is a best-selling author needing some time alone to write her second book. She picks this quaint little town where a new peanut factory is about to open, but things start to happen. It is soon apparent that something is going on as people start dying and Ellie finds a dead body near where she is staying. Now, being a witness to a crime, she is told to stick around. While swimming, she meets Luke, a wildlife agent. There is a pull between them, even though she is engaged and has been planning a wedding. Her clueless fiancé, Marvin, shows up against her wishes. I found little to like about him, but I was rooting for Ellie to not only write her story but also survive. She becomes involved with figuring out what is happening with Luke. The humor nicely lightens the reality of the damage a squirrel can do, and it was my favorite part of the story. There were some really evil characters, like the owner of the peanut factory, Beverly, whose focus was on profit, no matter what it took. An entertaining read that not only has action, but a light romance and the results of human greed. I can easily recommend this.

Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics

By Jan Sikes, Rick Sikes, Sydney Klein, and Dianne Rich (Editor)

“Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics” is a beautiful collection of short stories, poetry, and lyrics. Although I loved all the stories and poetry, I found the Fringes section to be my favorite. It started with a heartbreaking story, “A Foreign World,” about an elderly couple who take a walk. What happens to them is sad, but even with that, the end offers the hope I’m always looking for. My favorite story, “Yearning for Paradise,” follows a woman and her group as they try to escape their government to what they hope will be their paradise. I remember reading this story when Ms. Sikes first wrote it and appreciating the twist she took. I have thought about it since reading it the first time, and my second read was just as impactful, if not more than, before. There was a Christmas-themed story, “Magic,” that captured my heart as a boy tries to find a Christmas tree to bring his family some much-needed magic. The poetry was the perfect way to end this collection, and it was special with her granddaughter’s and husband’s poems added in. There was so much emotion in Mr. Sikes’ poems that you could feel his passion through his words. Ms. Klein may only be fourteen years old, but her insightful words belong to an old soul. This blended well with the wonderful poems Ms. Sikes offered, including a song, which I could feel the music behind. A quick but satisfying read that I can highly recommend.

Article V

By C. S. Boyack

Jace and Destiny have been good friends for years and share a love of cryptids. Jace invests in an old trailer to use for their weekends away, trying to find proof of any cryptids’ existence. After Destiny gets off work as a janitor at a school and Jace from his union job, they take off. Their first night in the trailer had me laughing and cringing. I would have bought the biggest bottle of bleach and gotten to cleaning after. Current events were woven into the story with some truths that can keep one up at night worrying. Their innocent exploration put them in the middle of something that Destiny couldn’t let go of when she found some documents that weren’t meant to be seen. As the title of the book hints at, some bad characters are trying to make monumental changes to our government. The scary part is, when reading this, I could easily see it happening. Mixed in is Destiny, who is a child of a Cambodian refugee, worries about being deported, and Jace’s fight to keep the union from being weakened at his job. All very current concerns that I didn’t feel became political, just very real. I also appreciated the mentions from other books, along with the humor and the assassin. These were characters I loved, and I enjoyed how strong their friendship was, allowing them to explore something more. This was a page-turner, and it left me thinking long after the last page. I can highly recommend this speculative fiction where humans, not cryptids, are the scary ones.

I also read Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I left five-star ratings and enjoyed my read, but didn’t review them.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good story. Denise

April Book Reviews! #JoyNealKidney #MarshaIngrao RobbleCheadle #MiriamHurdle #YvettePrior #PeteSpringer #CindyGeorgakas #MarshaIngra #CarolAnnTayloro #GeoffLePard #EJAshmore #sharonmarchisello #writingcommunity #mustread #bookreviews

Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in March that are four stars or higher.

Leora’s Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression

By Joy Neal Kidney

“Leora’s Dexter Stories” brought a time to life that I heard about through my great-grandparents. This follows the Wilson family through the Great Depression, showing how a family with seven children moved from house to house and navigated a time when many families did without. Based on Ms. Kidney’s family history, there is so much detail lovingly researched, and the added insights with pictures and letters. My family came from Missouri and lost the family farm during this time. I heard many stories growing up about my great-grandparents losing their home, sleeping in a car or camping, as they called it, and their quest to find a better life. I found the same hope in this book, plus it gave me a new appreciation of everything my family and this family went through. The extreme temperatures, scarcity of jobs, government help, and what really shone through was how the family took care of each other. It was heartbreaking when illness would run through a family, and the loss of babies. But the strength and never giving up is something many of us come from. Even with some help, they took matters into their own hands by growing food, hunting, canning, and sewing. I appreciated the attention given to the kids getting a high school diploma, too. A beautiful family memoir that I found hard to put down. It touched me on many levels, and I can highly recommend it.

Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet: An Anthology of Short Stories & Poems (Story Chat Series Book 3)

by Marsha Ingrao and various authors

I really enjoyed the second Story Chat and was eager to read the third one in the series. Again, I wasn’t disappointed with the mixture of stories and poems from all over the world. It offers many insights, perspectives, and genres. The book was divided into sections, each with a unique introduction that, like the stories, was very entertaining. I found it hard to narrow down favorites as I felt many emotions while reading. There was one that not only lingered but touched my heart. “As Old as We Feel” by Cathy Cade is about an older woman who feels like a prisoner in a place that is taking care of her. Although she puts on a brave face for her son, inside, she just wants her life to finally end. Heartbreaking. I have always dreaded getting to that point in my life, and this brought up all my fears in a well-told story. But that’s just one of the many that I loved. Another thing that is special about this collection is the questions for readers at the end, and some comments from the beta readers on the longer short stories. It is a perfect read, no matter how much time you have to read, and I can easily recommend this collection.

This Is How We Eat: Stories About Food, Culture and Connection

By Yvette Prior and other authors

“This is How We Eat” is a wonderful collection of personal stories, poetry, and fiction, all focusing on the theme of food. Seventeen authors approach this with a different point of view. I found myself nodding a few times when eating disorders came up; I dealt with that in my teens. This not only covers our relationship with food but also the history, family, and social traditions that go with it. Some authors were familiar to me, but I was introduced to new ones, which I always enjoy. I learned a lot about several authors through their food stories and recipes. On the other side, I was equally entertained by the fiction and poems. At the end of the book, the editor summarizes each story beautifully and gives each one a limerick. I won’t pick a favorite; each one was unique and a special treat. I can easily recommend this anthology!

The Art Of Spirit Capture

by Geoff Le Pard

Everything seems to be going wrong for Jason. He is still recovering from a failed relationship, his brother is in an induced coma after an accident, and he was just laid off from his job. This is when unexpected news comes: his aunt, whom he hasn’t seen in years, has passed. After sorting through what’s left of his time with his ex, he heads to a meeting with the lawyer to see what’s going on. Not only did he and his brother inherit the house and all that comes with it, including a dog, but someone from his childhood, Charlotte or Lotti, is working with the lawyer. He plans to stay a few days, and Lotti will help him go through everything. Yet, there seems to be something she is withholding from him, plus there are things his uncle made, Captures, that everyone is interested in. He has many things to work through now, including what to do with his life, this house and dog, and what is the mystery behind the Captures and the town’s untrust of him. Jason has limited memories of his times stayed with his aunt and uncle. He now has trust issues and doesn’t like to be the one making the decisions, but his brother may or may not recover to help. Jason is a kind character who wants to do right by everyone and feels an attraction for a woman now who seems to treat him as a little brother. Many side stories are going on, including his ex and her boyfriend, his childhood, a strange neighbor, and what is behind his uncle’s project. I like the relationship he develops with not only Lotti but the pup that came with the house. This is a very unique read that blends family, drama, relationships, a bit of romance, personal growth, mystery, and paranormal. Although a longer-than-normal read, you barely notice, and I can easily recommend it.

For This Very Purpose

By E.J. Ashmore

“For This Very Purpose” is a Christian/Religious, historical story set in Egypt during the time of Moses. The narrative is told from two opposing points of view: Eliza, a Hebrew slave, and Seti, the oldest son of a wealthy Egyptian family. Sixteen-year-old Eliza and her younger sister work under Seti’s mother. She has fallen for the spoiled oldest son, Seti, who is studying to become an Egyptian priest like his father. Eliza doesn’t have an easy job, but it’s better than making bricks, especially for her little sister. In her time at the house, Eliza has fallen for the son who barely acknowledges her except to tease her. Seti lives in his wealthy status and gives little thought to the slaves, but he does start to question things, including his faith in his gods. He is engaged and feels his future is secure. But Moses/Moshe returns, and the ten plagues begin. I loved seeing the pre-exodus through the eyes of Eliza and Seti, because it gave me a different perspective on a well-known biblical event. The setting was rich, and I could envision their daily lives. I think my favorite character was Eliza. She showed strength beyond her age, even though she still did things she shouldn’t have as a teen would do. She always chose those she loved over her own well-being. Love is a strong theme woven throughout. If you enjoy Biblical stories, I found this to be a page-turner, even though I knew many of the outcomes. I can easily recommend this story!

Trap, Neuter, Die (DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue #1)

By Sharon Marchisello

DeeLo has moved from Los Angeles to Pecan Point in Georgia, where her mother and niece live, to start over. She has a new job and boyfriend, but also ended up with a DUI and forty hours of community service. She chooses to work with a cat rescue. Catherine runs the operation, and the first night they go trapping cats to fix, vaccinate, and release, they find a business owner’s cat wandering and a murder victim. A cop appears and tells them to leave without taking a statement. This triggers DeeLo’s curiosity, and luckily, she works in the perfect place: a law office where her boyfriend is the attorney. Besides the murder, she is also drawn into changing an old law that prohibits releasing feral cats back where they were found after being fixed. When the police arrest Catherine for releasing the cats, DeeLo steps up to defend the cats and the woman who had been nothing but unpleasant to her. There are several suspects as the information is slowly revealed. I changed my mind a couple of times, but couldn’t guess the reason. I found the cat rescue information and how laws had to be changed very interesting. I have captured and released a couple of feral cats who lived in our area, and I never thought it could be illegal in some places to do that. This story covers many bases, including a cozy murder mystery, cats, redemption, relationships, and doing the right thing. I can easily recommend this, especially if you love cats or animals.

Embrace your inner child this spring by reading a great book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

March Book Reviews! #NicoleSara #CindyGeorganka #LynetteCreswell #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustread

Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in February that are four stars or higher.

Rhyming Dreams

By Nicole Sara

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!

The Blues and the Beautiful

By Nicole Sara

I read and loved “Rhyming Dreams” and was eager to read this collection. I wasn’t disappointed as I dove into more captivating poetry, photos, and quotes. The beautiful passages weave emotions, nature, and colors. It was a trip through the seasons of both nature and feelings. Here are just some of the poems I highlighted along the way. “I take a step/I create a remembrance/I draw a sign in the sun…/and I color the way/in a hue or another/with the choice that make or I shun…”—Multicoloured Minutes, “Shy shimmers carried afar/on wings of moments and cloud/afloat on a wave of blue thoughts,/on steps like reflections/aloud…”—Sweet Dear Memories, and “Like waves, my search unwinds through/rolling seconds/and thoughts collect dark clouds, sunny/shine/spiraling tides of coldness and blue…”—Splash. A beautiful collection that I can easily recommend!

Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to turn your Dreams into Reality

By Cindy Georgakas

“Re-Create & Celebrate” is a well-written, well-thought-out self-help book. I have done a lot of work on myself in the past, but it’s easy to fall back into bad habits. This was the perfect uplifting read for me right now. It is divided into seven steps that offer insight into the subject, a place to gain more awareness by answering questions, and a bonus: a poem. Ms. Georgakas includes her own struggles and stories along the way that add to this positive read. It not only tackles dreams but also covers the mind, body, and soul. It’s a book that will have you smiling, nodding in agreement, and probing uncomfortable feelings. If you are looking for some motivation or working on personal growth, this inspirational book is for you. I can highly recommend it.

Cat Thief: A Collection of Short Stories

By Lynette Creswell

“Cat Thief” is a collection of seven short stories, each with a different flavor. I have to admit, besides the great review for the book I found on a blog, the cover immediately pulled me in. I have a cat that looks just like the one on the cover. I’m glad I picked up this book; it kept me entertained from beginning to end. I did enjoy meeting the cat in Cat Thief, and it had a fun twist that included magical potions, but my favorite of all the stories was Glimpse into the Future. A Romany gypsy with a gift to see the future had a recurring dream where a woman was murdered. This one was a wonderful, mystical-mystery where I quickly grew to care about the well-being of these characters. Although this was a quick read that I finished in one sitting, it was satisfying. I can easily recommend this book.

NOTE: I owe Nicole Sara an apology. Last month, when I posted a review for The Blues and the Beautiful, it was the wrong collection. I was actually for Rhyming Dreams. I noticed when I went to read Rhyming Dreams and realized I’d read it. SO I fixed my reviews where they were posted, including last month’s reviews here. I included both now that my mistake has been corrected. Definitely a first for me! If you ever notice I’ve made that mistake or another, please let me know!

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book or two! D. L. Finn (Denise)

February Book Reviews! #NicoleSara #LindaBroday #TerryTyler #writingcommunity #mustread #whattoread

Welcome! Here are the books I read and reviewed in January that are four stars or higher.

Rhyming Dreams

By Nicole Sara

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)