Tag: AlexCraigi

Books That Changed Me—Summer Edition 2022! @TonyaWrites @BalroopShado @ChrissyH_07 #recommendedreading #whattoread. #booksthatchangedme #readerrecommended #writingcommunity #mustreads

On the longest day of the year, we head into a time full of childhood exploration. Summer is meant for swimming, cloud gazing, star dreaming, bike riding, BBQing, vacations, and ice cream. Most schools take a break and offer a bit of freedom from everyday life. It’s the perfect time to take a book along this wonderful journey. Each of these books sprinkles a bit of magic and some hard truths into our world. You might recognize them from previous book review posts, so there will be no reviews here today. These books deserve an extra look and a place in your summer reading. I’ve included a children’s book for those young at heart or have children to share the love of reading with. Happy Summer!

Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons

by Tonya Penrose

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Praise for Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons
“Prepare to fall in love with Cassie and be forever changed by her teachings.”
“The novel is a treasure and delight.”
“The story takes you on a journey and invites you to explore the secret to having your own amazing life.
“I felt joy and excitement building inside me as I turned each page.”

In the quaint Appalachian village of Divine, brooms sweep shop owners outside to trade tales of the latest Old Mountain Cassie sighting. Local lore claims Cassie holds the secret to a prosperous and joyous life…but only for seekers so destined.
Lacey Jordan’s fascination to meet the mountain sage intensifies as she eavesdrops on the latest Cassie chatter swirling around her outside Holsom’s Market. And a mystified Lacey believes if she can spend time with Old Mountain Cassie, the confusion and chaos that have plagued her life will lift.
What are these sacred and mystical lessons of Cassie’s that offer the keys to “living life amazing?”
How will Lacey ever find the mountain recluse tucked away in the woods?

Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons is an inspiring, tell-all-your-friends celebration to read. Cassie and the folks of Divine offer a special recipe for an extraordinary life. A generous portion of humor, an extra helping of insight, and a taste of mystery and romance will leave readers both fulfilled and hungry for the next story served up Mountain Cassie style.
Learn more about the author and upcoming books at: http://www.tonyawrites.com

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Someone Close to Home

by Alex Craigie

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“The book is brilliant. It reads like a memoir and grips like great fiction should – beautiful characterization”
Viga Boland – Author – No Tears For My Father

Talented pianist Megan Youngblood has it all – fame, fortune and Gideon.

But Gideon isn’t good enough for Megan’s ambitious, manipulative mother, whose meddling has devastating repercussions for Megan and for those close to her.

Now, trapped inside her own body, she is unable to communicate her needs or fears as she faces institutional neglect in an inadequate care home.

And she faces Annie. Sadistic Annie who has reason to hate her. Damaged Annie who shouldn’t work with vulnerable people.

Just how far will Annie go?

‘Someone Close To Home’ is a story of love, malice and deadly menace.

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Hues Of Hope: Selected Poetry

by Balroop Singh

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Hues Of Hope is the collection of readers’ favorite poems from my poetry books. These poems explore the hope that lies within our heart, hope that whispers each morning to look at the horizon, hope that inspires us to look beyond the chaotic world and take the next step to vanquish the fears that try to fetter us. It promises to take us to an oasis of peace, unravels magical moments of joy, as beams of love calm our senses. It even guides us through dark alleys to show the streaks of light that shimmer through the clouds.

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For the kids:


Following the Green Rabbit: a fantastical adventure

by Chris Hall

Chasing through Bluebell Woods after a strange green-furred rabbit, twelve year old Bryony and Bethany, her eight year old sister, inexplicably end up in the ‘olden times’.Life in the village where they find themselves is hard under the wicked lord of the manor. The two girls are thrown into a desperate struggle in which the evil lord will stop at nothing to hold onto his power over the village.Soon everyone’s hopes are pinned on Bryony and her new companions, Toby, who is under a ‘severe warning’ for humiliating the disliked village pastor, and Tommy, who mysteriously arrived in the village one day and can’t or won’t speak.Together they set out on a mission to bring help from a higher authority, but their journey is beset with difficulties. Will they be in time to save their friends from the hangman’s noose?A thrilling story for readers aged 10 and above, and for anyone who enjoys losing themselves in a fantastical adventure!

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April Book Reviews Part 2! @teagangeneviene @bakeandwrite #writingcommunity #whattoread #bookreviews #goodbooks

Someone Close to Home

by Alex Craigie

“Someone Close to Home” is a powerful read that I had difficulty putting down. Megan suffers a stroke and is placed in a lower-end care facility whose priority is making money over patient care. Unable to move or communicate, she is at the mercy of the staff, some of which are cruel. The story is told in Megan’s current time frame and her past. It takes us into a life of a successful pianist, a controlling mother and shows how she ended up alone in horrible conditions. The subjects of eldercare and abusive relationships were handled well and had me rooting for Megan throughout her life. The narrative was told in the first person, and it was like I was sitting next to someone telling me about their life. This is a fast-paced story that tugged at my heart. I couldn’t help but admire Megan’s strength, even with all the poor decisions she made throughout her life. There were moments of self-sacrifice and then, thankfully, a bit of blissful peace for her. This is a well-written story, brimming with emotions, that I highly recommend.

Dead of Winter: Journey 13, The Harbor

by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Another great journey where the ongoing growth of Emlyn is fascinating to observe as the world fights for survival. The battle is in full swing, with people fighting while a few watches in a mirror. I love the dragon has returned, although unable to help as he wanted to. The addition of the unpredictable goddesses and what the binding spell could do, adds to the tension as they fight Arawn’s overwhelming army. The ships, weapons, and little details bring this all to life. I don’t want to say too much and make this a spoiler. I can’t wait for the last installment of a story that has held me captive for the entire journey.

Chocolate Fudge Saves the Sugar Dog

by Robbie and Michael Cheadle

“Chocolate Fudge Saves the Sugar Dog” is a sweet story told poetically about a young boy who must decide what to do when a dog is drowning in the chocolate pond. There is not only a story that will keep young readers interested, but great fondant pictures and recipes. I bought this book for my youngest grandkids, and it was a pleasure to sit down with them and read it. The children, five and six years old, completely enjoyed the story. Plus, they requested we try to make one of the included recipes, the Oreo cupcakes. The oldest decided that the author must be extremely talented by making such beautiful fondants. I agree! Another great addition to my grandchildren’s bookshelf.

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 that inner child by reading a great indie book! D. L. Finn