Category: Book Reviews

June Book Reviews! #PatSpencer #CindyGeorgakas #KathleenHarryman #MarinaOsipova #CSBoyack #AudreyDriscoll #whattoread #writingcommunity

Here are the great books I read in May that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Oceanside: A Healing Place

By Pat Spencer

“Oceanside” is a short story that tackles a difficult subject, human trafficking. Although not too graphic it was brutally honest. A young girl meets an older man, and she keeps the relationship a secret from her family. He showers her with gifts until the worst thing that can happen does. This is something I think every parent should be talking about with their teens as these types of predators exist whether we want to think about it or not. It is a tough read, but it does offer kind people willing to help. I can easily recommend it

Celebrating Poetry

By Cindy Georgakas 

“Celebrating Poetry” is a beautiful collection that touched my heart and inspired me. Although it is a companion book to “Re-Create and Celebrate” it wasn’t necessarily for me to have read it, but I sure will be now. There are many poems I loved, and more importantly, felt, and I chose a few that I highlighted to share here. “Plans change in mid flight,/like birds who move south for the winter./Keep your vision as you adapt to the elements/and nest in the new beginnings and endings…”—Plans Change, “There’s always been music perhaps,/I just didn’t hear the symphony in the background./There’s always been color, but maybe I was in a dark place and/never looked up to see…”—There’s Always Been Music, “Silence births unspoken words/longing to find a home,/where noise is drowned,/sitting quietly amongst the redwoods…”—Root Like the Redwood, and “I breathe in the morning as it breathes into me./Slowly, savoring the moment between sleep and wakefulness,/lingering in the pause…”—Morning Prayer. This was poetry I connected to in many ways and can easily recommend this for all poetry lovers!

The Other Side of the Looking Glass

By Kathleen Harryman

Kate wakes up in a hospital room unable to remember anything about her past. Soon she learns she’s married to a man she doesn’t feel anything for. Laim her husband is a character I grew to hate completely while feeling for Kate. I liked how it was told through more than one POV which made some of it chilling reading. Some twists completely surprised me, but I don’t want to give anything away. I rooted for Kate and loved her strength in the worst of situations. This was a hard book to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. A great psychological thriller where murder is as easy as ordering a pizza, but with love weaved in there the unexpected happens. A story I can easily recommend.

BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die

By Marina Osipova

A newly married woman’s tour of the hospital where she was born quickly turns into time travel. Marion ended up in Germany in 1918 at Beelitz-Heilstatten. With a bump on her head, she is taken into the nursing program to care mostly for soldiers. She mingles with the people of this time with ease but feels repulsion for one patient for good reason. Her thoughts of what to do with a pillow to that man would have crossed the mind of any person who has seen the outcome in modern times. There is a relationship she develops with a doctor who she is drawn to. The attention to historical details is the jewel of this story and made this a page-turner. The descriptions and setting made this feel very real at times to me. There was a twist that pulled the two times together in a way I didn’t see coming. I can’t say enough about the research that had to be involved in writing this but it certainly held my interest in one of our darkest historical times. A story I can easily recommend.

Run for the Roses (The Hat Book 8) 

by C. S. Boyack

I love the Hat Series and always look forward to diving into this masterfully created world. Lizzie and the Hat mingle with some familiar faces and new ones. Lizzie is worried about paying the rent and bills and needs to work when the headless horseman asks for their help. It seems a witch is terrorizing the horses so she can pick the winning horse at the track. I immediately worried about the horses and hoped they would find the witch soon. As in all the stories, the humor is strong, especially between the Hat and Lizzie. That is a favorite part for me, along with the strong and flawed characters. Another story element to appreciate is how the music is woven in so naturally with the Hat as the manager of them. There’s a nod to a few missing bodies from the past that made me smile. Another great addition to the series that I read during a long plane flight, and it made the time speed by. This can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend going back and reading it from the beginning. It’s worth it!

She Who Comes Forth

By Audrey Driscoll

“She Who Comes Forth” first reminded me of a historical mystery that veered into the paranormal with a big twist. Twenty-one-year-old France is accepted to work at an archaeological dig in Egypt in 1962. She takes clothes, her precious cello, and the emerald ring given to her by her step-grandfather and heads off on an exotic adventure. She handles an older man’s unwanted attention, a jealous wife, and a nuclear physicist who intrigues her. Along the way, she questions her grandfather’s past and things that happen around her that make her question what she believes. A favorite part of this story was the setting and detail of the history. It brought the story to life. One of the gritty directions surprised me the story took, but I still found myself captivated, wanting to know what happened next. This is a story I can easily recommend for those who love paranormal mysteries.

NOTE: Watch for tomorrow’s post and my exciting news 🙂

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge. D. L. Finn (Denise)

May Book Reviews! #BFRandall #ElizabethGauffreau #RobbieCheadle #jacquimurray #stacitroilo #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #sarahpenner #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Welcome to my May book reviews! These are four and five-star reads from April.

Three Gates to Hell: Hell’s Detours Can Lead to Heavenly Destinations

By B. F. Randall

“Three Gates to Hell” was a hard book to put down. It is a Christian suspense story set in the Bay Area, which caught my attention as I was born and raised there. Bobby is a prison chaplain in San Quentin who has received a request that he didn’t like. The story flashes back in his time in Vietnam to his career in the Oakland Police Department, and his family life. The little details made it feel like it was a real story being told, not fiction. Bobby is a devoted family man and a hardened cop with a heart. The gritty story weaves his progression to faith, creating a character I rooted for. A well-written faith-based novel I can highly recommend!

Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures

By DL Mullan, Barbara Harris Leonhard, Jude Kirya Itakali, Ivor Steven, Robbie Cheadle, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Gwen M. Plano, Elizabeth Gauffreau, David Bogomolny, Dawn Pasturino, Maggie Watson, Colleen M. Chesebro

I have enjoyed the Poetry Treasures collections and was eager to read this one. As always, I found a gifted group of international poets. I appreciate how it is set up with the author’s background and then the poetry. There’s symbolic and free-verse poetry with various topics and beautiful images to accompany them. I encountered both familiar and new poets, and each one of them pulled me with their words. A perfect book for a quiet afternoon or to wind down before you go to sleep. I can highly recommend this to any poetry lovers.

Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna

By Robbie Cheadle

This book, “Burning Butterflies”, offers insight into Southern Africa with stunning art, photos, and poetry. The paintings are stunning, and the personal pictures allowed me to immerse myself in a place I’ve never been. The words, though, not only entertained but educated me about animals I’ve only seen in the zoo. Plus, Ms. Cheadle followed up poems with additional details which I appreciated. I don’t want to pick a favorite poem because I felt like they worked together to tell a story. Worry is expressed for survival for some and how others survive. Plus, there’s a focus on the environment and what grows and blooms there. I can highly recommend this fantastic collection for those who not only care about our planet but love poetry, art, and nature.

Badlands (Savage Land #2)

By Jacqui Murray

The story continues as the different groups escape the volcano’s devastation. Yu’ung leaves her tribe in the hands of B’o as she accompanies the Old One to the mountain clan along with their proto-wolf. This allows the story to be told through more than one point of view and tribes as Yu’ung runs into issues that set them back. Despite the destruction of their environment, there persists a lack of trust among different tribes and species, but it also creates an opportunity for individuals who typically wouldn’t cooperate to do so. Having read the other series and the first book, I was eager to see what happened next. This story didn’t disappoint and had some twists and heart-stopping moments. The growth of Yu’ung into a strong leader is great to watch, and I have a soft spot for the wolves. Character integration feels seamless, yet identifying trustworthy individuals remains difficult. The details though are what draw me in and I feel like I understand as best I can the life our ancestors led. I can’t wait for the third book to see how the journey goes. I can highly recommend this, and it can be read as a standalone, but I’ve enjoyed reading it from the beginning and getting to know the characters better.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break

By Staci Troilo

“Weeping Boughs Don’t Break” is a family drama that focuses on a woman’s journey to independence, despite everything seeming against her. Claudia’s unexpected divorce is five years behind her. After suffering years of mental abuse and her husband’s cheating, she still lives in the house that carries all those memories, and all the debt. When her now-married ex-husband collapses, she gets a call from her children. They need her. So, as a good mother and a person who puts everyone in front of her, she goes to support them. But instead of giving that support, she finds out she’s responsible for making medical decisions for her ex. His current wife leaves unwilling to care for a sick man. Although Claudia reluctantly agrees to help because of her in-laws and kids, it takes a toll on her and reopens old wounds. The details of her Italian family and their faith added a special level to an already compelling situation. Plus, during all of this, she meets a kind, handsome man who befriends her, just when she needed it. A well-written Christian drama that I found hard to put down and can easily recommend!

The Conjurer’s Wife

By Sarah Penner

A young woman named Olivia is the wife of a famous magician in 1820s Venice. Suffering from amnesia after an accident, she helps her husband on stage, although she has no idea how he does his tricks. The husband appears to use her as a prop, but she is slowly rebelling. When one of their acts produces a fox, she immediately takes charge of it. Her care for the little fox leads her to search places she hasn’t been before. It’s here she discovers a secret. My theories regarding her fate were almost correct, but the truth still surprised me. A short story with an engaging historical setting and fantasy for those who like a bit of mystery, and a twist.

The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: a Cornelis Drebbel Adventure

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

“The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers” was my introduction to Ms. Geneviene a few years ago on her blog, part of a weekly series. So, it was fun to revisit the story and read it in a couple of sittings. Felicity is a Victorian woman who refuses to wear the painful corsets with her gowns, but is more comfortable in her trousers. She travels with an alchemist, Cornelius, who isn’t exactly alive. Felicity comes across a young girl, Copper, who needs their help as an orphanage is coming to collect her, with her father missing. Plus, it isn’t only the orphanage that’s interested, including some unusual chimpanzees. Because of the circumstances, Felicity and Cornelius are left with only one option: keep Copper safe. Their search for Copper’s father drives the plot, featuring harmonic tuners, a purple world, villains, and an unusual green fairy. Steampunk and fantasy elements spring to life through vivid settings. An imaginative story that not only kept me entertained but also invested me in Copper, Felicity, and Cornelius’s outcome. I can easily recommend it to those who love an enjoyable steampunk fantasy.

Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge, which is a week late due to my vacation. Will update soon on that!

Embrace your inner child by reading and reviewing a good book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

April Book Reviews! #SandraCox #LindaBroday #KimSilvers #KarenBlack #charlesffrench #bookreviews #whattoread #writingcommunity

Here are the great books I read in March that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Reuben Hayes

By S. Cox

Reuben has the perfect life. He lives in Texas and loves his ranch. The only thing haunting him is he let go of the one woman he loved. A young woman, Sage, surprised him by appearing with a letter from her mother, the woman he loved, who had died. Sage ends up staying with him on the ranch. She is free-spirited and has her mother’s touch with horses but has his gray eyes. When he finds out about her father, the senator doesn’t know where she is, he insists she telegraph him. Sage runs into a man named Hawk who saves her from being run over by an out-of-control horseback rider. Hawk, a gunslinger, ends up working on the ranch. A spark develops between Sage and Hawk. Her father shows up and gives Reuben some unsettling information. It falls on Reuben to keep Sage safe while he looks into what has put her and her father in danger. I love the vibrant settings. I can picture myself riding along with the characters and enjoying the views. The relationship that developed between Sage and Reuben was touching and, at times, funny. Sage and Hawk had a spark that he seemed to back away from, but I was rooting for them and for Reuben to keep his family safe. A story told from a parental perspective that takes us into the Old West. There is romance, family, gunslingers, and a wild horse who captures Sage’s attention. I can highly recommend this well-told story.

Creek: (Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 1)

by Linda Broday (Author), DMR Editing (Editor)

Gunslinger, Creek, is heading into town at the request of a dying woman who was kind to him as a boy in an orphanage run by a cruel priest. On the way into town, he saves a young girl, Willa, from a gang of boys. He gets her safely back to her beautiful guardian and now the girl believes he is her real father. Despite his desire for family life, his lifestyle was incompatible with it. Although a fast read and I read it in one setting, it was a satisfying read with many layers. I loved the relationship between Creek and Willa as they bonded, even though he didn’t want to. There were a couple of twists I didn’t expect, though I had a feeling about one of them. The setting in lawless El Paso drew me in, but it was the characters that held my heart—and one I found easy to hate, too. I was rooting for Creek to not only find out the truth about his birth mother but also some peace after his cruel treatment as a child. A fantastic read I can easily recommend!

The Christmas Ghost: An Investigative Paranormal Society Adventure

Charles F French

This is a quick read centered on a ghost haunting an orphanage. A group of paranormal investigators, all but one retired, decide to help rid a ghost of disturbing children during the Christmas season. Although this story is between the first and second book, it was easy to follow. I especially liked Roosevelt, who had lost his holiday spirit after his wife passed. This became a story of not only ghost hunting but also of finding that spark again. I’m curious about the other stories now, and I’d like to get to know the characters better. While it’s ideal for Christmas, it’s a fun read year-round, as I discovered.

Long Stories Short

By Karen Black

A great collection of short stories that take you from the edge of the paranormal to reality. Many stories had me on the edge of my seat, and a few surprised me with an unexpected twist. Several subjects were covered, including spousal abuse, a grieving widow finding shelter in a storm, Bigfoot, a Ouija board, a day on a boat, accidents, house fires, animal loyalty, and being hunted. I especially enjoyed “Indisputable Evidence,” which surprised me and offered the love of a pet in a dangerous situation. Another was “Unintended Consequences,” and the heartache following wrong assumptions that ruined a happy family yet offered a more hopeful ending. This is a collection I can easily recommend for those who enjoy scary stories with some unpredictable endings.

Broken Rhodes

By Kimber Silver

Kinsley comes home after her grandfather is murdered and wants answers. Lincoln is her grandfather’s neighbor, friend, and the town’s sheriff. Despite initial conflict, they remain committed to identifying the murderer. Kinsley’s past traumatic event comes back to haunt her in the small town, triggering her distrust and emotions. Lincoln seems to have some secrets of his own from his past. Although I didn’t like the sheriff at first, he grew on me. Kinsley is strong and successful, but to many people from her past, she is still that teenager who left their town behind. As Kinsley and Lincoln’s friendship grows, it becomes obvious the killer still wants something. A steamy romance starts to bloom in the middle of twists, secrets revealed, corrupt officials, bullies, a killer, and dealing with the past. A story I can easily recommend, especially if you enjoy romance mixed in with mystery and suspense in a small-town setting.

Next week: Creative Perspective Challege

Embrace your inner child with the gift of a good book! D. L. Finn

March Book Reviews! #teripolen #suewickstead #TWDittmer#RobbieCheadle #DanAlatorre #nicholasRossis #johnhowellauthor #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Here are the great books I read in February (or were released in that month) that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Barty Barton: The Bear that was loved too much

By Sue Wickstead

Barty was a fluffy brown bear that was loved by Thomas. Time passed, and Thomas left, while Barty stayed. When Thomas was about to have his own baby, he rejected his old friend because of his appearance. This is when Barty and his friends are offered a makeover. This was a sweet story that kind of reminded me of Toy Story and the toys’ loyalty to their child. Colorful illustrations and the story drew me in, and I can see a beginning reader loving it, too. This would also make a great family-time read. I can easily recommend this story!

A Spooky Tale: A walk with our teacher

By Sue Wickstead

This is a charming book for beginning readers or for family reading time. A class doesn’t want to go on a walk, and we soon find out why they don’t feel so well. They run into a ghost, crocodile, dinosaur, a slippery waterfall, and many other things. I loved the students’ response, but I especially enjoyed how the teacher reacted at the end—I don’t blame her! Included is a map of their walk. The book’s illustrations are beautiful, and I read it on my phone to appreciate the colors and details. It would make a fantastic gift or a wonderful addition to any family’s collection of children’s books!

The Gemini Connection

By Teri Polen

“The Gemini Connection” is an engaging YA science fiction novel. Evan and Simon are twins who share a unique bond while living on a dying planet. Simon is talented and favored by their parents. He is recruited to help save their world. Evan is well-liked, but deep down, he feels his parents’ disapproval. When Simon disappears after his mentor is imprisoned in another realm, Evan feels guilty and lost without their connection. He becomes a bender who enters people’s minds to help heal them if possible. Still, his main focus is to find his brother. His brother’s partner, who happens to be his worst enemy, is someone from whom he will need assistance. I appreciate the relationship between Simon and Evan; it embodies pure love that, although severed, remains. While Evan lacks support from his distant parents, he does have his best friend, Syd, and a job where he flourishes. I also like how the narrative shifts perspectives between Evan and Simon, providing a comprehensive view of each character’s thoughts. This story explores not only family and brotherhood but also themes of power, corruption, and unique abilities. I found it to be a real page-turner, making it difficult to put down. I can easily recommend this!

Five-Toed Tigress

By T.W. Dittmer

I loved the first book I read by Mr. Dittmer, “The Valley Walker” and was eager to read “Five-Toed Tigress.” This story took off as an FBI thriller with paranormal and sexual tensions mixed in. Hawke is a vet recruited into the FBI. He is introduced to his beautiful new boss, Tulene, and an equally attractive chain-smoking partner, Gundrum. Hawke tries to keep things professional as he learns about his new job, while deeply yearning for a woman from his past. He is quickly thrown into a case where his military background is a tremendous asset in saving Tulene and Gundrum. There seem to be ties to Cambodia and characters from “The Valley Walker.” There is also a group that wants to cause harm, a rich man no one can touch, and something stalking humans in the forest. The attention to detail, including the military, made this feel even more real to me. I enjoyed the relationship between Hawke and his partner and was sometimes confused by his boss, which left me wondering how it would all play out. The best part was the unknown and how that weaved into Hawke’s life. A strong man, bearing life’s burdens, he consistently strived for righteousness. This is a very layered and unusual story that held my attention from the first chapter to the very end. I can highly recommend this one, especially to those who love a good thriller with paranormal mixed in.

Spellbound The Box Under the Bed #4

By Dan Alatorre, Robbie Cheadle (Editor/Contributor), M.D. Walker (Editor/Contributor), Ellen Best, Kaye Booth, Alana Turner, Christine Valentor, Nick Vossen, Anne Marie Andrus, Adele Marie Park, M.J. Mallon, Dabney Farmer, Ernesto San Giacomo, Betty Valentine, Geoff LePard, Frank Parker, Joanne R. Larner

A wonderfully scary collection of authors and stories. There are many stories I enjoyed consisting of authors I was familiar with and some new ones. Here are a few examples, “I watched as his arm changed into a wing, large as an angel’s, black as onyx. The other followed, and he transformed into a grotesque thing, unnatural and twofold. Half man, half swan.”—The Most Valuable Skill by Christine Valentor. “I woke to the sound of my own shrill screaming. The same nightmare, the one that constantly haunted my dreams when the climate control was out, now entrenched the strange images in my head. I was staring out a window, unable to breathe, as my parents’ bodies drifted through the cold, dark space.”— Holly and George by MD Walker.  “Today was the day. In all technicality, it would be tonight, but that didn’t matter. It had been a month since the last time. The Beast was clawing at the walls to be free once more. It would get its way tonight. It would only have to be patient, twelve more hours. I would bide our time until then.”—The Killer Wolf by Alana Turner. “Some one comes. Yes, yes. No, not mistress. She is gone. I told you she is beyond our reach. Be quiet! They come. They will see us. Back. Back.”—Mirror by Adele Marie Park. Here’s the one that still haunts me with its stark reality, “The emperor’s main advisor, the High Priest of the capital city of Cusco, addressed the deity. ‘The mountain gods are angry and need to be appeased before they will send rain and restore life to our crops. A Capacocha ceremony is necessary. You must advise the chiefs to bring their sacrificial offering to the city at once and I will arrange their distribution through the empire. I will lead the ceremony at which the purest and most beautiful children will be offered.’” —Death is About Choices by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This is a good anthology for those who enjoy short horror stories where you get sixteen different styles presented to you.

Everyone Hates This Restaurant: An illustrated children’s book

By Nicholas C. Rossis

Mr. Rossis dedicated “Everyone Hates This Restaurant” to his daughter, who loves sweets. The illustrations are vivid and fun, adding to the delightful theme of the story. The family dislikes a restaurant, and it’s explained why, but still the daughter insists on going to it. It isn’t a place I’d like to eat at either with the things described, although I can fully understand her reason for wanting to go there. They have the best desserts. Who doesn’t love a good dessert? This is a story that parents can read to their children or it’s suitable for beginning readers. This would make a great gift for younger readers, and I can easily recommend it.

by John W. Howell

This has been a series I have thoroughly enjoyed, and I was looking forward to reading the third story. It didn’t disappoint and veered off into a time-traveling mystery. It was great to see all the main characters back, especially James, Sam, and the Oldsmobile, and their current souls to save. Lucifer is also around with his signature humor, although at times I wished he’d go away and leave them alone, but he always did make it a page-turner. There was a nice blend of history and current affairs, and I found it hard to put down during any of their excursions or just in general. I was touched to see a fellow author who we lost as a character. What a great tribute to him. There were some twists, and one completely took me by surprise. This series has taken us to our past, present, and future while growing relationships and making us wonder if this is how it will be. A fantastic story that I can highly recommend.

Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge #3!

Watch for special post Wednesday 🙂

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

February Book Reviews! #MarshaIngrao #carolanntaylor #RobbieCheadle #DaveWilliams #ColleenChesebro #DWallacePeach #GwenPlano #YvetteCalleiro #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #writingcommunity #whattoread

Here are the great books I read in January that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

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A Homemade Christmas

By Carol Ann Taylor

I have seen Ms. Taylor’s posts about food and her recipes, so I was excited to read through her cookbook. This collection focuses on Christmas and family traditions. The book is split into sections that start with Christmas starters and end with Christmas Leftovers. It all starts with a note from the author explaining that the recipes come not only from her grandmothers and mother but also from some of her friends or her travels. These are more than ways to cook food. They bring back wonderful memories, but they also are healthy and made from scratch. Holiday tradition remains important; however, incorporating novel elements enhances the experience. I especially like the chapter on making gifts to give. Memories and cooking notes were helpfully added. Here are a few recipes I want to try: Prawn Cocktail, Spiced Red Cabbage, Red Wine Vegetarian Gravy, A Honey Jar Ferment with Garlic, Pickled Garlic, Homemade Mustard, and Gluten-free Christmas Pudding. I was excited to see a couple of gluten-free options included. At the end is a helpful US-UK Conversion Chart to help with measurements. Plus, there are nice images throughout. A great gift, ideal year-round, expanding our traditions; some I’ll experiment with beyond Christmas. I can easily recommend this festive cookbook.

STORY CHAT VOL II: INTERNATIONAL SHORT STORIES GENERATING CONVERSATIONS

By Marsha Ingrao

“Story Chat Vol. II” is a collection of short stories in all genres, including nonfiction. There are six sections, and the last one includes Horror and Science fiction, which is always a go-to for me, but I had many favorites outside that category. With the unique differences it was hard to pick a favorite but here are some that I’m still thinking about: “A Cautionary Tale on the Dangers of Allowing Your Characters to Take Over Your Story” by Geoff Le Pard, “The Grand Adventure” by Diana Peach, and “Anxious About Sea Horses,” by Gary A. Wilson. However, the exceptional nature of this collection did not stem solely from the great stories. It was the Questions for YOUR Story Chat Group that followed, and the best part was the Discussion Excerpts that many had. The other authors gave valuable story advice. Tips on improving writing were also included in the nonfiction. This had it all, and I found some favorite authors, along with new ones that I will be reading. This group appears both supportive and talented. I can easily recommend this collection.

Gasp! Poetry!

By Dave Williams

This collection of poetry is like its title, “Gasp! Poetry!” is a fun and introspective read. There are eighty-eight poems with a wide variety of topics like unicorns, human nature, history, and science. Written in free verse with some rhyming included. I highly enjoyed the humor that poked fun at many subjects, along with the whimsical and serious side. Here are some of the ones I highlighted: “I lift a handful of sand,/watch the grains/cascade in the spaces/between my fingers,/thinking there’s/got to be metaphors/for time, uniqueness, perseverance—/maybe insignificance…”—Is a Poem about Grains of Sand on a Beach Too Pretentious? or “He felt bad/that she thought/their relationship/wouldn’t work/because she thought/his ventriloquist doll/was so creepy…”—Buddy’s Secrets or “The leaves dropping/could be said to be/eaves dropping on us,/walking as we are on this forest trail…”—Leaves Dropping or “In this busy blurry/hurly burly world,/she likes to slide/into the lines…”—Under the Covers and “The drive from their house/to the parking lot seemed/to take a long time to Joe,/as did the walk…”—Unicorn Migration. A group of poems that I can easily recommend!

Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka

Colleen M. Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle (editors)

By Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, and Cheryl Wood.

“Sunflower Tanka” is the first annual anthology with contributions from over thirty-five talented poets. Many I recognized and already was a fan of their poetry, but the rest were new to me. Meeting both new and known poets under the theme “into the light” was wonderful. The editors offered their insight into sunflowers at the beginning of the book. It was enlightening to understand the importance of the flowers to them. Then the great poetry started and kept coming. There was no way I could choose my favorite lines or poems; I enjoyed them all. I love all forms of tanka poetry, but I think the garland tanka fascinated me the most. This is a collection meant to reread, especially with its uplifting messages. I can easily recommend this to all poetry lovers!

A Peril in the Vines: A Medium’s Peril Book 3

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Daphne, Clover, and Phineas continue their story set in the 1920s. Daphne is a medium who has seen a massacre in her visions, which somehow link the pumpkins and vines that grow everywhere in the new town they end up in. Clover has a vivid dream that refers to tarot cards and a message. It all seems to center on a young girl and a doctor looking after her. Additionally, some matchmaking is happening. I love the setting and era and all the little details that bring it alive. Besides the paranormal, there is a mystery to figure out, along with some humor. I have been enjoying this series and, like all the characters, there’s a special place in my heart for Clover, Daphne’s assistant. I can easily recommend this quick read that can be a standalone, but I have preferred reading it from the beginning.

Note: Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge and also a new release post!

Embrace your inner child with a good read! D. L. Finn

January Book Reviews! #JacquiMurray #IvyLogan #yvettemcalleiro #DWallacePeach #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustreads

Here are the great books I read in December that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Please note my fun news after the reviews!

Endangered Species (Savage Land #1)

By Jacqui Murray

I have been eager to read “Endangered Species.” The story continues focusing on the Neanderthals who are called the People and the Tall Ones who are the homo sapiens. Their lives are about daily survival and hunting, but nature plays a powerful role in this story as they face another challenge. Yu’ung, the healer’s daughter, is a young female in the People. She has been trained to be a hunter, heal, and lead. She has unique abilities to see and read the landscape better than anyone else, but she also gets visions guiding her. Shandar is a young male who doesn’t fit in, but he also gets visions and learns of his life’s path. I love that we are revisited by a favorite character from the past, Xhosa in these visions, along with some favorite canis. Shander and his canis pack’s quest is to find and save Yu’ung and her group while Yu’ung’s is to become the alpha or leader as nature changes their world. The setting is rich and detailed and I can imagine this world from 75000 years ago. It was good to see them cooking now over how their ancestors, like Xhosa, ate their food raw. Told through mainly Yu’ung and Shander’s POV, we do see the world through Yu’ung’s mother the healer’s eyes, and nature’s too. Yu’ung is a character I quickly fell in love with and was rooting for her and her group. I kept urging them to move on as their situation became more dire. A mesmerizing story based on well-researched history that I had a hard time putting down. I read it in two sittings. It is a gift when you can learn as well as be entertained. I highly recommend this and can’t wait for the next story in the series!

And Then You Were Gone

By Ivy Logan

Something has happened to Nina’s daughter, Sophie. I had some guesses about what that could have been but ended up being wrong. The story quickly dove into the past, leading to Nina’s current fears. This is told through Sophie’s diary and Nina’s introspection until Sophie’s narration. Nina had an unsuccessful youthful marriage but found her way in writing books and raising her beloved daughter. They were very close since her ex was no longer in the picture until the bullying began at school for Sophie. She seemed unable to get past it even with her best friend, Nick’s support. This story hooked me from the first page, and I read it in one sitting just to find out what happened to Sophie. While tackling some deep subjects like bullying and its psychological effects, it also dove into family, friendship, and a mother’s love. Unexpected events followed Nina’s well-intentioned efforts. A well-written story that I can highly recommend!

Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver

By D. Wallace Peach

Erith is half human and half charmed/magical and lives in between worlds. She has replaced her deceased mother as The Seasons’ Weaver and has been given the burden of weaving the next season into existence. On the eve of spring, she takes a tapestry into the charmed land. Instead of it being a simple process of changing winter into spring, the King of Winter refuses to allow the change. He insists she continues his season by only weaving winter, but the human world can’t survive if spring doesn’t come. Unprepared for this magical world, she is at a loss on how to fight for what she knows needs to be done. I could easily empathize with Erith as the odds seemed stacked against her, but she didn’t completely give up, either. The relationship between Erith and Autumn’s Prince was easy to root for and the attraction was immediate. The setting was lush and vividly painted, drawing me into both worlds, one of humans and one of magic. In a place where Erith must learn who to trust, she also must trust herself. That is one of my favorite parts as she learns who she is and her place in the world. I recommend this well-written fantasy that had me hooked, eager to discover what would unfold next.

A Christmas Homecoming: A Short Story

By Yvette M Calleiro

Mary has lost her beloved adoptive parents. After spending a year with her cold grandmother, she inherits not only her parents’ money but an address for her birth parents. Having nothing to lose, she hops on a plane to Miami at Christmas. She was told they wanted her to meet them when she turned eighteen but started second-guessing that. What if things had changed? Mary goes from the only home she’s known to a bright, warm world, and a culture she knows nothing about. I love how open she is to meeting her birth parents, but simultaneously giving her chosen parents all the love they deserve for giving her a good life. Each step of her journey she reflects on her past and possible future. Although a fast read, I was involved with Mary’s quest and felt the emotions with her. I can highly recommend this beautiful short story for the holiday season, or anytime, that shows the strength and bond of love and family.

NOTE: Next week I’ll be sharing my Creative Perspective Challenge. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. There will be an image to inspire you to write flash fiction or poetry. I’d like to keep the word count under 1000 words, but if it goes over no worries, sometimes the story decides for us. The following week I’ll post all the links of those who participated. To start off it will be once a month, the week following my Book Reviews. More information next week!

Embrace your inner child in 2025 and read a good story! D. L. Finn

December Book Reviews! @TerryTyler4 @LisetteBrodey @bakeandwrite @TPolen6 @JoanHallWrites#writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustread #readersoftwitter

Here are the great books I read in November that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Safe Zone

By Terry Tyler

The story continues after a decade of living with the virus that makes humans into zombies. There are familiar faces from past stories trying to find each other again. Many that don’t get killed end up in the surviving safe zone in the UK. It’s not all perfect in the safe zone and a work camp for many, but they are safe for now. Norah is inside and Brian is trying to make his way to her after they were separated. I couldn’t help but root for this couple’s reunion and a bit of good luck for them. Although survival is the theme, it is about relationships, greed, control, mental health, and love. It was a hard read to put down, as I kept saying just one more chapter to see what happens next. Then the virus takes a turn and mutates, which puts everyone at a much greater risk and speeds up the urgency to find safety. I’m eager to see what happens next to the survivors in the next book! A perfect read for Walking Dead fans, or those who love a great zombie story, and I can easily recommend it.

WHAT THE YEARS REMEMBER

By Lisette Brodey

Two fraternal twins, complete opposites, parted ways as teens. Jade hates her sister Amber and after an attempt to kill her as teens, Amber changes her name and plays dead. The mother takes Jade and goes to California and the father raises Amber, who now goes by a different name. When Jade marries, the parents change their name too, and move away. Life should be okay for Amber and her parents now, but Jade comes home and looks for her parents after a murder. She lives in a delusional world where only her needs count. Amber lives in fear of her sister, who still wants what she has—her husband. This is a fast-paced story that dives into a family who has lived with a deadly mental illness with someone who outwits any help. The story is told through first person and different perspectives, giving a chilling insight into Jade’s frame of mind. I thought the story would venture in one direction, but it took a different turn, which was an unexpected twist. I admired how Amber, Michael, and their friends take responsibility for their own safety. Characters from a previous story also made a welcome appearance. This suspenseful thriller will keep you hooked!

Sesi says goodbye to Granny

By Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle

“Sesi says goodbye to Granny” is an engaging story for young readers and their parents and an educational one too. Sesi is concerned her beloved Granny is leaving the herd and her leadership role. The tale gently describes the change coming and how the herd will carry on. Elephant facts were shared, many unknown to me. I have always had a soft spot for elephants, so the learning part was enjoyable, but the artwork and photography captured my heart. I usually read books on my Kindle. This time I read the book on my cell phone, which was a tremendous bonus seeing everything in vivid color and detail. The book’s blend of art, facts, and fiction charmed me as an adult, and I envisioned the delight a child would find in its pages. Great gift for children and family.

The Power of Three

By Teri Polen

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!

Blood Red Dawn: Legends of Madeira Book Two

By Joan Hall

I enjoyed the first book, “Cold Dark Night” and was eager to get back to Madeira and its residences. This story is told through a dual timeline with romances involving brave men serving their country. In the 1800s Faydra and Jonathan are drawn to each other. He is a soldier at the fort outside of Madeira. Their story is being told through Abbey’s nana with a hint of a twister to come. Conner, a Navy Seal who suffered an injury, found his way back to Abbey and was given a second chance. Conner is battling his past and there is a stark contrast to how PTSD is handled now and back in the 1800s. While the story unfolds, someone means Conner harm, and Abbey, who is gifted with premonitions, is warned that something bad is about to happen. I loved the relationship between Conner and Abbey, along with the local support given to vets. I felt for Jonathan’s situation without that support but still rooted for a happy outcome for them. The setting is detailed, making me want to visit New Mexico, and their meals made me hungry! I changed my guess about who was after Conner several times. A cozy mystery with characters I was rooting for with an ending I couldn’t predict on more than one level. I look forward to the next installment from Madeira and can easily recommend this.

Note and a bit of a rant: I have been having internet issues for the last three weeks. I had an appointment they didn’t make. Then they came the next day without telling me and declared it all fixed. It wasn’t and I only found out because I called them. So after hours on the phone with tech and she said yes, there is a problem in the line we made another appt. The next day another tech calls and says it’s all fixed just a glitch. It was a touch better but not fixed—and I had to insist on that. Then he told me it was only meant to look at emails. Funny, that wasn’t the case three weeks ago. So, still waiting on the appt if they show this week. I can pull up some things and others I can’t, or it takes forever. I feel like I’ve gone back to the 90s dial-up in a lot of cases. My thought is they are trying to encourage me to drop them as they are other customers to get rid of DSL in our area and they are trying to get rid of all landlines too. Unfortunately, that’s all we have at the moment but I am on a waiting list for Starlink which would require a tree climb or that promised fiber optic cable that the state still hasn’t approved. End of my rant but why I’m not always around and can’t share blog posts all the time.

Also: There will be an early Books That Changed Me next week and a newsletter. Then I will be going on a holiday break and hopefully, you will find some books to give as gifts this season.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book and don’t forget to give the gift of reading this holiday season! D. L. Finn

November Book Reviews! @JanSikes3 @frank_prem @LBroday @JillWeatherholt @pokercubster @SLMarchisello #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustread #readersoftwitter

Here are the great books I read in October that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

A Noble Bargain

By Jan Sikes

I read and loved the first book “Beggar’s Bargain” and was eager to jump into a new story in the series. Oliver Quinn took care of his loving family after his father was killed in a work accident. His dream is to become a professional baseball player. Rose Blaine takes care of her family after losing her mother. The difference between the two is in one home there is love and respect while the other one is full of fear and abuse. When they meet at a local dance, Rose immediately captures Oliver’s attention. A friendship develops as Oliver tries to figure out how to help Rose. When Rose’s home situation reaches a critical point, she and Oliver strike a bargain. He will drive Rose and her brother to their aunt and uncle in St. Louis and they will introduce him to a famous baseball player, her uncle. This is a story of strong contrasts. On one side Oliver’s family is there for each other and they treat each other with kindness whereas Rose’s father and business partner are both cruel and each day it’s a challenge for Rose to survive. Some heavy subjects like abuse and rape were addressed, and Rose’s home situation had me worried. Yet, she had a strength that I could admire that bloomed under some kindhearted help. Oliver’s nonjudgmental nature and willingness to do the right thing, regardless of personal gain, were admirable. It was nice to see characters from the previous story and catch up on their story too. Oliver’s family and Rose and her brothers captured my heart, and I lost sleep not being able to stop reading. This is a story I highly recommend, and think is Ms. Sikes’ best yet.

Pilgrim: Volume 1

by Frank Prem

“Pilgrim: Volume 1” is a thoughtful collection of poems woven together with the word pilgrim. The blurb called “Pilgrim” small wisdoms, but it felt bigger to me as it touched on our journey through life. There are little illustrated feet that creatively guide us to the next poem. A quick but powerful read. Here are only some of the words that touched me: “listen pilgrim/do you hear/the stillness/even the sound/of a cicada/is embraced/in the silence…”—thought sound, “…listen to the sound/of your inner self/when you contemplate/your transformation/you know/this too/is an elemental magic”—elemental alchemy,” and “this is the nature of time/and what is a life/but time/spent/waiting”—natural waiting. These are poems that are meant to be read more than once. I highly recommend this poetry collection!

Wildwood Healer: A Novel

By Linda Broday

Sicily lives alone after losing the only man she loved years before and is the town healer. She gathers herbs and mushrooms to help the local people. She was the closest thing they had to a doctor during the Great Depression. One day, she finds a dog on her doorstep and later finds the young teen who has been hiding in the woods. She takes him in and helps everyone she can including abused wives. I was invested in Sicily and the town from the first page. There were some kind people but also some cruel and corrupt and Sicily had the strength to stand up to them. The story deals with serious issues such as abuse, hunger, mistreatment of children, and corruption, but at its heart, it’s about Sicily’s kindness and determination to do what’s right. I loved the relationship between her and Tate and how she handled a person from her past. The setting was lush, and I could easily picture living in this town during a difficult period in our history when people had so little. But this is where Sicily shone a light and offered solutions instead of despair, making this a hard read to put down. A well-written historical story that captured my heart, I can highly recommend it.

Guarding Her Christmas Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

Hannah Simpson moves to one of my favorite fictional towns, Bluebell, CO. She wants to start over after a tragic loss. Cody Beckett becomes the legal guardian of his best friend’s six-year-old twin girls, McKenzie, and Madison. He gets a call that McKenzie is causing some issues and has to deal with the teacher, Hannah. Although he trains companion dogs, he has no idea what he is doing with the girls. Hannah and Cody have different opinions about how to handle McKenzie. But soon they find themselves thrown together to plan a Christmas festival. The twins are thrilled to have the four of them spend time together, and Hannah is drawn to the dogs in training. I’m happy whenever I visit Bluebell and see old friends. I loved how Cody stepped up by taking the girls, but at the same time didn’t trust himself to raise them. He has a big heart that shines through to the girls and pups. But it’s the slow-burning friendship and attraction between Hannah and Cody that makes this a page-turner. He is patient with Hannah, even not knowing her story and having his fiancé break up with him while Hannah has to deal with her past and loss. Of course, it helps they both have the local grocery store owner looking out for the two of them, along with the girl’s intentions. It’s a heartwarming Christian story that focuses on hope, family, and second chances. I can highly recommend this, especially for reading around the holiday season.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour

By Dawn Pisturino

“Haiku for the Midnight Hour” is a collection of what Ms. Pisturino calls experimental, with a fun twist of darkness. There are seventeen categories, including Home Alone, Creatures in the Night, Fairy Tales, and From Outer Space. I did read it as close to midnight and thoroughly enjoyed it. Here are just a few of my favorites: “ramshackle old house-/ready to fall—hiding ghosts/abandoned spirits”—House, “full moon at midnight/stares boldly at old tombstones/dead come back to life”—Tombstones, “snakes slight through the/grass with eager hunting for/hypnotized victims”—Snakes, “mummy wrappings and/gray ash trail across the floor/unholy wand’ring”—The Mummy, “Cthulhu calling/stretching his tentacles through/space fracturing minds”—Cthulhu, and “moon maidens dancing/under full moon waxing big/pregnant with magic”—Moon Maidens. This is a fantastic poetry collection for Halloween reading, but also for any time of the year. A read I will enjoy more than once and can highly recommend it to poetry lovers.

P.S. I Forgive You

By D.G. Kaye

I read “Conflicted Hearts” and understand what the author grew up with. I could easily relate to an unhealthy childhood and what it requires as an adult to get past it. In “P.S. I Forgive You” Ms. Kaye has cut off communication and contact with her mother to heal and live a better life. But when her mother is dying, a pang of guilt creeps in and another layer of healing comes into play, forgiveness. Whether you do it in person or allow yourself to forgive from a distance, it can heal that pain carried around. This book was a journey to understand her mother while taking care of herself. We all must walk our paths in life and Ms. Kaye found a powerful one that inspired me as a reader and survivor of a damaging childhood. In life, love and liking can be separate truths. We can wish them well but not aspire to be a part of their lives, and we can forgive them to heal ourselves. The author incorporated this wisdom into an interesting reflection on her life and the lessons she learned. I can easily recommend this, especially if you come from a not-so-perfect family too.

Secrets of the Galapagos

By Sharon Marchisello

Giovanna lost her business and fiancé because of a clever con artist. She goes on a cruise with her grandmother to the Galapagos Islands to regroup and perhaps run into the con artist. Giovanna’s relaxing snorkeling trip takes a dark turn when she realizes she has been left behind and the woman she was with is missing. Everyone ignores her inquiries about her new friend and then tragedy hits the cruise ship, and the police become involved. Giovanna is immersed in more than one mystery, with her past coming into the mix. Giovanna is a fun character who is determined to find answers. Her relationship with her grandmother, who has a strong mind adds a lot of depth to the story. But it’s the islands that captured my attention. The setting was beautifully brought to life through the descriptions. I could feel the ocean breeze, see the fish when they snorkeled, and imagine the island’s celebrity turtle, Tio Armando, the passengers were all eager to see. Giovanna’s investigations lead her into danger and an attraction to the local detective. “Secrets of the Galapagos” was an entertaining mystery with a few twists and turns, and an exotic setting that I’d love to visit someday.

Blog Tour Schedule for Miracles and Ghosts

Sandra Cox: November 1st A Perfect Ghostly Christmas

Liz Gauffreau:  November 5th Miracle in ER

John Howell: November 6th A Man and His Cat

Colleen Chesebro: November 7th At the Mall & video

Jacqui Murray: November 12th The Red Truck

Jan Sikes: November 13th Christmas Reunion

Engage your inner child by reading a book! D. L. Finn

Sounds in the Silence review! #writingcommunity #whattoread #readersoftwitter #mystery #ghost #1920s #1960s #murder #music

I don’t share many reviews for my books, but I wanted to share this one. It was a review that made me smile and do my forest dance,  but the PS added that wasn’t included in the review brought an extra smile: This was even better than I expected. 

Here’s the review:

A dream come true becomes a deadly nightmare in the novel Sounds In The Silence by D.L. Finn. Maria and Logan Davis are married and deeply in love, and life is full of promise as they move into their dream home, an old secluded mansion by a lake. Intending to make the house a vacation spot, the couple quickly begins renovations only to discover the house has a dark history and that they are not alone there. Forty years earlier, during prohibition, another couple owned the house, Helen and Charles Elliot. The Elliots were also deeply in love and happy with life until a madman shattered it. Determined to find the truth and aid their ghostly guest in the search for justice, Maria and Logan seek answers from a town unwilling to give them, discovering in the process that the worst kind of villains hide behind a facade of righteousness.

Wholesome yet dangerous, Sounds In The Silence by D.L. Finn is a beautiful tale that is both sad and sweet. The plot combines a ghost story and first-class mystery as one woman reaches out across the decades and the veil of life to seek help from a young couple. Themes of light and dark are equally present, as love, justice, delusion, and betrayal play a role in the novel. The characters are few but superbly developed as I readily empathized with some while my skin crawled at the thought of others. A steady and mesmerizing pace that is homey and comforting at times yet full of menace at others creates a riveting tale that is hard to put down. For fans of supernatural tales and mystery, Sounds in the Silence is a cross between “What Dreams May Come” and “Ghost,” and I recommend it wholeheartedly.—Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers’ Favorite

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Amazon Purchase Link US

Amazon Purchase Link UK

Ghosts and Miracles release is only a couple of days away! Be back Friday for the tour 🙂 Ghosts and Miracles Preorder Link

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book.—Denise

October Book Reviews! @BalroopShado @Virgilante @stacitroilo @Jina_Bazzar @StevieTurner6 @DanDwayneSpenc1 @PaulaCappa1 @AlexanderZPain #writingcommunity #whattoread #readinglist

Here are the books I read in September that were four stars and higher. Sure was a great reading month. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Tracks of Infinity
by C. S. Boyack

Jenny’s reporter career takes a step backward as she is moved to desk work. Cody, her son, needs to write a paper to pass a college science class. While searching work folders, Jenny discovers something intriguing to both her and Cody. They take a day to investigate and stumble upon something curious. Cody’s Professor confirms it’s not a usual find. Things change rapidly after this as they become aware they are being followed. A fellow student, Bai, joins forces with them as they try to find the truth and report it. The relationship between mother and son is fun and natural, as they always seem to have each other’s back. Cody’s focus on sounds and how to make them had me thinking about sound effects in movies. I found that part very interesting. Bai was my favorite character though, as she was just herself and very skilled at electronics, which helped them. It was also good to see the radio show from “The Hat” make a few appearances, too.  This story was not only entertaining but also left me thinking. I can easily recommend “Tracks of Infinity.”

Just One Goodbye: Poems from the Heart

By Balroop Singh

When Ms. Singh unexpectedly lost her beloved husband, she turned to poetry as a way of expressing her grief. The first year she wrote through the seasons and found a way to share deep pain that I don’t think I’d be capable of doing. I have always admired Ms. Singh’s well-written poetry but in this collection, she made me empathize and understand as best I could without having gone through this loss. This quick read was not only a testament to a profound love but trying to make sense of it all. Every poem was powerful, and many brought tears, but I won’t share my favorites like I usually do because a couple of sentences can’t capture the emotions behind them. A collection I can highly recommend to not only poetry lovers but those who have known the sudden loss of a loved one.

Born for Revenge

By Staci Troilo

A missing teenage girl comes back after a year. She is uncommunicative and offers no insight into what happened to her. Two other girls are missing, and Detectives Cabe and Holden are determined to find those girls, but their families aren’t cooperating either. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop reading, eager to find out what happened next. The story weaves an insightful perspective from an unknown narrator, revealing the reasons behind the events without disclosing the individual involved. My favorite characters and relationships between them are the two detectives, Cabe, and Holden. One of them had a side story and another mystery to solve. I liked their banter, humor, loyalty, and determination. Finding the girls is at the heart of the story with many unexpected twists, making me reconsider my guess of who was behind the kidnappings. A captivating mystery with relatable characters that I strongly recommend.

My Grandmother, The Dinosaur Hunter (The Grandmother Protectorate #1)

By Jina S. Bazzar

An eleven-year-old boy and his younger sister visit their grandmother. One night, they follow her to the edge of the forest. When the grandmother disappears, they follow her. They end up in another world called Cruxil. They quickly find themselves in trouble and need help. It’s here they not only find out they didn’t know their grandmother like they thought, but they might be just like her. A fast and fun middle-grade read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Fantasy based with a dinosaur, hydra, and a large frog, unlike the ones back on earth, it dove into family relationships and doing the right thing. This is a book I will eagerly share with my granddaughters, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it!

Farewell: A Short Story

By Stevie Turner

A fun short story about an aging rock group pulling themselves together for a sold-out tour. They add in a new backup singer Baz met in rehab and head to get some practice in. The new guy, Steve, was my favorite character and the one I was rooting for. Wives and girlfriends were included in this reunion and mixed in were jealousy, some drug use, flirting, and band practice. It seemed to be pulling together when the old backup singer arrived. Everything changed one night when something terrible happened and the police became involved. A coverup starts. The killer’s identity came as no surprise, but the unfolding of events proved fascinating. A different type of read for me that I enjoyed, especially the music part.

Dog Walk of the Apocalypse: A Short Story About One Man, One Dog, and One Zombie

By Alexander Pain

A fun short story about a man who takes his dog for a late-night walk. He doesn’t expect to run into a zombie and calls the police. I laughed out loud at the ending and the modern treatment of zombies. I will be reading more from this author and can easily recommend this quick read.

Hildie at the Ghost Shore

By Paula Cappa

While creating delicate lace, Hildie is interrupted by a sailor. He requests she do a rune reading for him so he can contact his beloved daughter, who has passed. The eerie setting and detailed rune readings added depth to the ghost story, drawing me into Hildie’s world. The conclusion was quite touching. I was immediately captivated by the second bonus story, igniting my curiosity about that world. A girl goes to live with her grandfather. He takes a daily walk at noon, forbidding her to join him. This is a prequel, and I am eager to read the book that follows. A quick and satisfying read and I can easily recommend it.

A Christmas Season in Hell: A Short Story

by Dan-Dwayne Spencer

Aston is a bored English college professor. It’s Christmas break, and a student gets him to promise to read his story, something Aston doesn’t want to do. As he is getting ready to go home for his quiet holiday, the floor gives, and he ends up in a secret room from when the building was a theater. Luckily, his injuries aren’t too severe, and he discovers a source of water, but there is no one left at the school to be aware of his predicament. It’s here he finds a skeleton and a diary. The direction the story took next surprised me and I couldn’t put it down. An engaging short story that I recommend!

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