childrenbook – Author D.L. Finn

March Book Reviews Part 3! @JMastrangeloArt @JacqBiggar #writingcommunity #whattoread #readersoftwitter

After reading “Sweetheart Cove,” I wondered about a single dad, Trace, and a single mom, Mona. Both were minor characters in the other book, but their attraction shone through, even if it was from dating in high school, so I was glad to see they were the main characters in “Sunset Beach.” Although there seems to be an attraction, Mona holds back the information of who is the father of her daughter while Trace focuses on his job as the mayor and raising a teen. Their daughters, Samantha and Beth, are best friends, forcing the two to interact more than they are comfortable with. I enjoyed revisiting this island, seeing how Jacob and Josie were doing, and discovering if Trace and Mona could work through their confused past. This is a quick, fun read for romance fans.

Sweetheart Cove

By Jacquie Biggar

Josie took a job to escape after her best friend and fiancé got together. Jacob needed someone to help care for his six-year-old daughter, who uses a wheelchair. When Josie arrives to start her new job, Jacob is unhappy that she isn’t more grandmotherly. They immediately clash, but she stays to offer physical therapy for the daughter. I love the sweet relationship between Jane and Josie and the addition of Mischief. The setting is a charming little island where residents and guests arrive by water plane. I could easily see myself living on this island and quickly fell in love with the seaside community. Sparks, misunderstandings, and a bit of patience mix in to make this a page-turning quick read that I can easily recommend.

THE MAGIC BLANKET

By Judy Mastrangelo

“The Magic Blanket” is a fun read for beginning readers and their parents. Amy is given the gift of a blanket, and the characters on it come alive when she goes to sleep. Then, Amy is taken on an incredible adventure. The illustrations are beautiful, adding that extra layer to the story, and after, there are activities for the reader to enjoy. This is a book I bought in paperback to give to my granddaughters, and I can easily recommend this charming tale.

I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews here! If I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it. It wouldn’t be fair to leave a review for an unfinished story, and life is too short not to enjoy my reading journey!

NOTE: Tomorrow is the Books That Changed Me—Spring Edition!

Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn

December Book Reviews Part 2! @bakeandwrite @LBroday #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustreads #readersoftwitter #bookreviews

The Christmas Bird

by Robbie Cheadle

The Deanne family was short on funds at Christmas time. They made the best of it when their hungry dogs found a bird’s nest and ate all but one baby chick. The family rescued the baby chick and set out to save it. I love the family’s selflessness as they put the needs of the bird above their own. It was a good lesson that giving of yourself is much more important than material possessions. This heartwarming story is perfect for sharing with a child or for beginning readers.

Return to Christmas

By Anne Stuart

Madison has dedicated her life to working and has lost the holiday spark. She decides to spend the day shopping at her favorite place, Macy’s. She steps out of modern times, entering the store from a world where she controls her body, mind, and word choice to the year 1947. Johnny, the window dresser, immediately comes to her rescue, even if he thinks she is insane. Madison finds herself drawn to a man who believes she should be married and home with kids while he tries to keep her at a distance. It took me a bit to warm up to Johnny because of his old-fashioned attitude and his PTSD from the war, but I was rooting for him in the end. The difference in how women were treated back in the 40s was stark compared to now, but they were still powerful characters. Madison kept trying to find her way home while developing friendships with people who had long passed in her world. This is a steamy, holiday, time travel romance for those who want an adventure different from most holiday stories.

Hope’s Angel

By Linda Broday

“Hope’s Angel” is a sweet holiday read that touched my heart. Jericho Cane has retreated from the world and hides in the darkness after a horrible, disfiguring accident. His only friend provides his staples and company, while the town believes him to be a monster based on his father’s actions. He is rumored to be responsible for the town’s mysterious deaths. A widowed doctor, Kathleen, and her daughter move into town to become the local employer’s town doctor. Kathleen and her young daughter are determined to befriend Jericho, and the doctor sets out to learn about his past and who the night phantom is. Jericho does his best to push them both away. My heart went out to Jericho and what he had been through, with peeks into what he was. I admired Kathleen, a strong female character who followed her heart and never gave up. This is a perfect holiday, or anytime, read that reminded me that people can do the right thing when they know the facts—and it only takes one person to change people’s minds. I can highly recommend this charming western romance!

Update: Still recoverying from COVID. It seems to want to stick around for a while. So, I’m still pacing myself.

We did get a half of foot of snow that is nice right before Christmas, so enjoying that since I don’t have to drive in it!

Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn

April Book Review Part 3! @Virgilante @stacitroilo @supermegawoman #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #indieauthors

Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady (Amanda Travels #8)

by Darlene Foster

“Amanda in Malta” is a middle-grade read filled with mystery and history. Amanda receives a postcard from Malta written by her friend, Leah, who asks for her help. Luckily Amanda’s friend Caleb and his family are going to Malta on vacation, and she can go with them. As they explore the sights, Amanda starts to unravel Leah’s situation with her aunt. I felt like I had visited Malta when I finished reading the book. The attention to detail was amazing, and it was like I had gone on tour with Amanda. This is the first book I’ve read in the series, and I will now go back and read more of her adventures. A great read for not only middle-grade readers but can be for the adult who is young at heart, like me. I will be giving this book to my older granddaughter for her birthday!

Between the Vines (Keystone Couples, #3)

by Staci Troilo

“Between the Vines” is sadly the final story in the Keystone Couples Series. I have enjoyed meeting all three couples, and it was nice to see everyone make an appearance. Elena was bullied in high school by Heather, and it still affects her. She’s had a crush on her brother’s friend since those days, but Aaron ended up dating Heather. Although both are single now and still attracted to each other, Elena avoids getting involved with anyone after the horrible rumors spread by Heather. Although violence isn’t the answer, I must admit there was a very satisfying punch. There were consequences, and Heather quickly became a character easy to hate. It is another great love story that can be read in one sitting, and I can easily recommend it.

Good Liniment (The Hat #5)

by C.S. Boyack

“Good Liniment” brings back all my favorite characters, especially the hat. Lizzie went home to regroup, so the hat made his way to her in an interesting way. When their issues are resolved, it’s time to bring the band back together. During this, Lizzie gets a case where she needs to find out why someone wants the witches in a coven killed. I always enjoy the humor and depth of the world created, including the radio show Night Bump. It’s nice when individuals from other books pay a visit too. This can be a standalone read, but having been there from the start it sure added more complexity to the story. Another great addition to the Hat Series, and I can’t wait for more.

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 with a huge hug by reading a great book! D. L. Finn