June Book Reviews! @teagangeneviene @sasspip @MarciaMeara #IARTG #ASMSG #WritingCommunity #WhatToRead #MustRead #IndieBooks

Dead of Winter: Journey 5, Llyn Pistyll Falls

by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

“Llyn Pistyll Falls” is another great addition to the story. I especially loved the ghosts wandering around outside the veil. One ghost made me smile when she reprimanded one character. I enjoyed learning some background and following Emlyn’s adjustment to a new way of life. The settings are full of imagery that captures my imagination. It’s impossible to put this down, and I was left on the edge of my seat. I love the world Ms. Geneviene has created and eagerly await Journey 6!


Three Against the World

by Sarah Stuart

“Three Against the World” is the story of a man, teenager, and Jack Russell terrier. Richard’s life has taken a turn for the worse, losing his job and fiancé, when his ex-wife shows up at his door with a teenage girl claiming she is his daughter. He takes Maria in and decides to raise her as his own. Without the proper paperwork, he hides her and then moves to London to start over. Maria carries the burden of being unloved by her mother, while Richard begins a quest to find a wife once he’s settled in London. Even with Maria’s help, his choice of women is an issue that plays out more than once. Maria has her past to overcome, and she trusts the wrong people. Richard’s character is complex and flawed in a way that makes him an interesting read. Maria seems almost childlike at first, unable to see her worth, yet capable of caring for a household. Ben, the dog, is my favorite as he is always there for them and can be protective when needed. The setting is detailed and rich, and I could imagine their house and the bar easily. This story takes you on Richard and Maria’s journey through several years, which had a few surprises I couldn’t have predicted. I will be reading more by Ms. Stuart.


Swamp Ghosts

by Marcia Meara

I’ve read the Wake-Robin and Emissary Series by Ms. Meara, so I was eager to jump into this story. This was a romantic thriller with some added mystery that I couldn’t put down. I loved the developing relationship between Maggie and Gunn. Their exploring Florida’s wilderness in search of a believed extinct bird was one of my favorite parts. Showing Maggie opening up was handled well and believable, even at the fast pace, it happened. A serial killer is thrown in along with a misunderstood man. I guessed who the killer was, but I still enjoyed the characters figuring it out. I loved the pets and their names in this story, including Gunn’s cat, Maggie’s bird, and Lester’s array of reptiles. It added that extra layer to the story. Maggie’s best friend is someone I’d like to know and have on my side. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading the rest of the series.


I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!

This week the fairies will be doing some traveling. I will post here where they are so you can visit them!

Embrace that inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn

May Book Reviews Part 3! @ElizabethMerry1 @mhurdle112 @teagangeneviene @harmony_kent #ASMSG #WritingCommunity #bookreviews #mustread #indieauthors

MINUS ONE: With Haikus and Other Poems: The Story of a Life

by Elizabeth Merry

“Minus One” is a wonderful collection of poems that took me on an emotional journey. There was a mixture of Haikus and free verse that offered an insight into the highs and lows of life. Plus, there was the bonus of lovely pictures. Here are a few of my favorite passages: Seascapes, “Damp knees in the damp sand. Uneasy in the stillness, /watching for the yellow hair of fairies, /hidden in the tide, their voices from another world,” Haikus, “Blessed, healing rain/soaks my parched skin and/flushes out all grief,” and more Haikus, “Broken by the storm/branches bent as if with grief/hold their beauty yet.” A beautiful read that any poetry lover would enjoy.


Tina Lost in a Crowd

by Miriam Hurdle(Author), Victoria Skakandi (Illustrator) 

“Tina Lost in a Crowd” is a sweet children’s book for beginning readers and parents reading to them. I loved the beautiful illustrations that enriched the story and the fact this was based on an actual event. Tina, who just finished 3rd grade, invited a friend to go on a family excursion to see a symphony and fireworks. Everything was going perfectly until intermission, and the girls needed to use the restroom. I loved how Tina and her friend handled being lost. It was a good lesson on how to handle a situation like this. As a parent, I know the fear of not finding a child, and reading this story with children allows talking about what to do if it happens. I’ll be adding the paperback to my collection for my grandchildren, and we’ll be reading it together—a wonderful debut children’s book by Ms. Hurdle.


Dead of Winter, Journey 4, The Old Road

by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

I love the journey Ms. Geneviene has taken us on, so far, with this series. In this installment, “The Old Road,” the focus is more on the Deae Matres, with more attention going to Boabhan. The Lady in Green, Boabhan, intrigues me, and I feel like there is so much more to uncover. With peril surrounding this group, Emlyn finds herself in constant danger. I don’t want to say too much, but I was happy with returning characters and terrified of ones who made an appearance. I enjoyed this being a longer read than the first three, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!


The Vanished Boy

by Harmony Kent

“The Vanished Boy” is a terrifying glimpse into an 18-year-old’s disappearance. Carole is a widow who never stopped grieving. When her only child, Jayden, left a cryptic message on her cell phone and then didn’t return home from a party, she began searching for him. I couldn’t imagine being in her place, yet I felt all her pain as I read it. Finding his laptop, Carole began digging into her son’s digital life. This is when the realization came that she didn’t really know her son. That was a great insight into how the internet allows us to reach out to others yet be more distant from the ones we love. Carole is a strong character that was relatable and determined. Her relationship with her sister felt very real, and the love for her son pushed her beyond any normal limits. As I kept reading, I formulated some theories, but I couldn’t have guessed the outcome. This is a well-written story that was hard to put down, and I highly recommend it!


I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! 🙂 D. L. Finn