June Book Reviews! @TonyaWrites @EichinChangLim @JillWeatherholt @piketoni1 @supermegawoman @Marjorie_Mallon #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #mustread #bookreviews

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

Baubles to Die For ( A Shell Island Mystery Book 1)

A widow who runs a bookstore, Page, is on vacation with her cousin Betsy at a seaside she had inherited. While Page contemplates selling the house, she gets an intuition about a neighbor. In the past, the cousins have been involved in murders and helped the police solve them with Page’s gift. Despite her vow to stay out of it, there’s a murder and theft that require investigation. Plus, the good-looking neighbor intrigues Page, who appears to be involved somehow in it. I liked how Page and Betsy connected with their zest for life and their effortless humor. The author’s vivid description of the setting enabled me to easily imagine myself sitting on the beach with them. A sweet, cozy mystery with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. A great start to A Shell Island Mystery Series with two entertaining middle-aged sleuths.

Ultimate Revenge: A Thrilling and Suspenseful Short Story

By Eichin Chang-Lim

Russell has tried to put his past behind him after going to jail for delivering a package. His wife waited for him, and they have a beautiful daughter together, yet revenge eats away at him. One day, he sees the man who gave him that package and then disappears after Russell is arrested. Russell plans what he considers justice. Although this is a sequel to “Love, A Tangled Knot,” which I haven’t read, I had no problem following the story. As Russell succumbs to hatred and anger, he ventures into a realm from which he may not be able to escape. I was rooting for Russell that he would make the right decision when the time came, and he’d put that energy into his healing and family. Despite being a quick read, it was still rich in depth. The additional flash fiction section was a treat and made this a fantastic read that I can easily recommend.

Her Son’s Faithful Companion: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

I am happy to be back in Bluebell Canyon. It’s a town I would want to live in. Caitlyn has come back to her childhood home to fix and sell it. She is an ex-barrel racer who is under a load of debt from her adopted son’s epilepsy. Although she needs to make this sale, the town’s excessive kindness makes it hard for her to leave. Seeing characters from “Their Inseparable Bond” and meeting new ones was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing Caitlyn, Henry, and neighbor Logan’s special bond develop. While Caitlyn wants to do things for herself and Henry and move back home, it’s heartwarming to see people step up for them in big and small ways. The epilepsy was handled well, and I could relate because I had a father who had it and a daughter who outgrew it. Although, I worried when Caitlyn didn’t share that her son had it but understood Henry wanted to feel normal for a bit. I loved the duck, Donald, and Henry’s attachment to her and why. This Christian Romance is a delightful blend of rich settings and small-town kindness that I highly recommend.

Warning Signs

By Carol Balawyder

Eugene, the serial killer, meets a woman he feels he can trust. Angie is that young woman who has spent years caring for her addicted mother and all she wants is to be loved. Detective Van Ray is trying to stop the man who is killing young girls. The story is told from all their points of view and dives into the psychological effects of abuse, loneliness, determination, and blind love. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, some more than others. I couldn’t help but worry for Angie, who ignored all the warning signs in her relationship. I wondered if love could be the answer to everything or her undoing. Each character was flawed in their way and would go beyond what is expected in certain situations. Detective Vay Ray just wanted the truth, but Eugene was searching for a cure to stop a side of himself. It all blended as certain facts emerged to the surface, but that only added to more possibilities. A thrilling page-turner that kept me engaged as I sped to the conclusion.

Shh, Purely Poetry

By M.J. Mallon

A loving collection of poetry that delicately weaves in relationships at many stages. Many are sensual, full of texture and images, and some offer unique takes on human interaction. Here are a few beautiful passages: “The Sweetness/The longing/Each kiss deeper/different and the same/Like I belonged to more than him/Like I belonged to the poetry.”؅—Dining on Poetry, “…beautiful calligraphy to highlight/tiny ink splodges to add character/tear drops to remind me of sad days.”—Love Hidden In the Margin, and “She is fair and I am dark/Slight and I am robust/We fill our together/completing our silhouettes.”—Silhouettes. “Shh, Purely Poetry” is meant to be savored more than once by lovers of sensuous and thoughtful poems.

Linda’s Midlife Crisis

By Toni Pike

Linda is celebrating her fiftieth birthday surrounded by friends at a party her husband, Ron, provided. Although it seemed like a nice gesture on Ron’s part, he gave a speech that quickly summed up how he treated his wife. I immediately thought Linda should leave him, but she smiled it away, which showed how beaten down she was. She was also a teacher, a profession she’d loved until the support for teachers faded away under a new principal. This all spiraled into an event at her work that pushed her into a breakdown. When Ron lost patience in caring for his recovering wife, he left. Here, in the darkest part of Linda’s life, she found a strength she didn’t know she had. Healing began and her voice emerged. At first, I cringed at the treatment Linda allowed her husband to get away with. He was truly a horrible person. Even when he appeared to be defending his wife, it quickly twisted and became about him. When Linda took control of her life, I cheered for her. She found ways to improve her mental and physical health, step by step. There was a shocking twist at one point, but she was finally at a point to deal with it. I loved how far she went and was open to being happy again. It was satisfying that Ron got what was coming to him, too. A wonderful story of second chances and healing after an emotionally abusive marriage. I can easily recommend “Linda’s Midlife Crisis.”

Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone Amanda Travels #4

By Darlene Foster

Amanda stays close to home in this story when her friend, Leah, visits her from England. They explore her beautiful area and go to Calgary Stampede, take a horse ride with Mary, visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and explore a museum. Amanda finds a rock that someone dropped with strange writing. She hangs on to it, wanting to ask Mary about it. Unfortunately, the rock has the interest of some unsavory men. I loved exploring Alberta with Amanda. It’s a place I am very curious about since my grandmother was born there. There is attention to detail in the setting and the lifestyle that I found fascinating. The relationship between Amanda and Leah was more like sisters than friends, and Amanda’s family was very welcoming. The history of the tribes and rodeos made me want to plan my next vacation there. Another wonderful adventure with Amanda that is wonderful for middle-grade readers and those young at heart. I can easily recommend “Amanda in Alberta.”

Mystical Greenwood

By Andrew McDowell

In this YA fantasy, fifteen-year-old Dermot works as an apprentice with his father, trying to overcome his rebellious past. He has a somewhat strained relationship with his mother and favored younger brother, Brian. Everything changes though, when a rare sighting of a gryphon leads to him clinging to the giant creature while the village tries to shoot it down. He ends up in the forest being helped by a recluse woman and her grandson for his injuries. Once she tends to him, Dermot ends up at the edge of the forest. Returning home, he has a run-in with the sheriff, who isn’t a fan of the young man. After this event, things change between the brothers as a small level of trust develops between them, especially when Dermot sneaks his younger brother into the forest to meet the woman. Then, the brothers must come together and join forces when the village is attacked. I am drawn in by the good vs evil theme as the good embraces nature the evil seeks to destroy it. Some of my favorite characters are the recluse woman, her grandson, and the animals, including thegryphon, unicorns, and dog. These two boys find themselves thrown into a battle they aren’t prepared for. I appreciated the amount of attention to detail that presented this world clearly, but it was the times spent with the boys or people fleeing that held me captive. The forest and animals came to life and made me root for their safety. A unique tale that fueled a battle that will continue into the second book that I have on preorder.

NOTE: I will be on vacation next week. So, it will be quiet here and on social media, other than a special post tomorrow. I will be over on Story Empire on June 12th. I’ll be back on June 18th.

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

March Book Reviews! @maryjdressel @teagangeneviene @NAGrangerAuthor @LisetteBrodey @JillWeatherholt #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustread #bookreviews

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

Blue Snow in the Moonlight: A Holiday Romance

By Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Cullen, a father of two, is at a local event when he spots the most beautiful woman, Elle, whose eyes pull him in. They seemed to connect from a distance until his sister hugged him and broke the spell. He and his family start back to the ranch during a huge snowstorm when his vehicle breaks down. Luckily, someone comes by and gives them a ride to his rental or where this woman is staying. Culleen conceals his identity as the owner and gets acquainted with the woman he’s attracted to. The problem is they both come from bitter relationships and divorces, neither is willing to dive into a relationship again. What was obvious to everyone around them wasn’t to Elle and Cullen. I loved Cullen and his bond with his children and sister. The setting was my favorite part of the story, a ranch in North Dakota during snowstorms. Not only was there matchmaking going on from unexpected people but doubt and distrust mixed into it. A romantic flirtation was front and center, but the rest was behind closed doors. If you love stories set on ranches, like I do, and a good snowstorm or two mixed in with an attraction that may or may not work out, this story is for you!

Atonement in Zugzwang: Book 1

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Pepper inherits a remodeled gas station from her uncle in Atonement. As soon as she arrives in Atonement, Pepper ends up in the middle of a mysterious chess game and her uncle’s body goes missing. I always love a visit to Atonement—you never know who you’ll meet there. Much of this story I read on Ms. Geneviene‘s blog, but it’s nice to read it all at once. I loved the relationship Pepper had with her friend Maudie and, of course, the special kitten captured my heart. It was great to see familiar faces return to this story, including the pigs and Ralda. An enjoyable read with unusual characters you can’t help but root for, well, most of them. I look forward to the next story to be released, so I can see what happens next.

The Rat In The Python: Book 2 Shopping and Food

By Alex Craigie

I enjoyed “Rat in the Python: Book 1” a lot and equally adored this next installment with Shopping and Food. One thing that brought back many memories was the stamps saved from shopping or, what I remember, blue-chip stamps. My mother collected stamps not only from shopping but unused ones from neighbors, friends, and family. She was determined to get a grandfather clock, and she did. I helped paste many books of stamps. This book brings back all those splendid memories and history along with them. I didn’t have to go through any rationing, so I found that part very interesting, but I enjoyed all the canned and frozen foods that followed. This is a wonderful read for those who grew up in these times and like a trip down memory lane, or for those who want to learn how it used to be. Well written and entertaining all around.

Death at the Asylum: Rhe Brewster Mystery Series, Book 5

By N.A. Granger

“Death at the Asylum” is the fifth in the Rhe Brewster Series, but the third one I’ve read. It can easily be read as a standalone story with the author’s character recaps in the beginning, which I’ve appreciated. Rhe and Sam are enjoying a nice day and the governor’s speech when a sniper shoots the governor. The couple jumped into action to save him. Now they need to find the sniper. But that isn’t all going on. Someone has gotten hold of Rhe’s personal information putting debts in her name along with crimes. If that wasn’t enough for her to deal with between being pregnant, working two jobs, and raising a son, there is a rapist loose and someone stealing drugs at the hospital, too. Not only was this a page-turner, but there were enough criminal details woven in to add that extra layer. It is the relationships, though, that are the strength of the story, between husband and wife, mother and son, best friends and colleagues. I not only wanted the crimes to get solved, but the people to remain safe while doing it. A well-written cozy mystery that I can highly recommend. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next.

Death in a Mudflat (Rhe Brewster #4)

By N.A. Granger

Although this is the fourth book in the series, it is the second one I’ve read since I started in the middle, and very easy to follow. I do plan to go back and see how it all got started, but for now, I’m enjoying moving forward in this cozy mystery series. Rhe is not only a widowed mother and an ER nurse but a detective, too. She is now together with the man who was her brother-in-law and who is her boss at the police station, too. This couple was at a wedding on the beach when a body was found. Rhe embarks on a hunt to not only find this woman’s killer but also to uncover the truth behind college students dying from drug overdoses. This puts her in the middle of two investigations, one where the FBI is involved. I love how determined Rhe is to find the truth, even at her own expense. Her new relationship with Sam is endearing and the loyalty of her best friend is impressive. This is a page-turner as Rhe pushes forward and gets into unsafe situations. At one point, she learns what it is like to be on the other side of that or the one worrying. There is a lot of detailed information that adds a great layer to a well-written whodunit that I can easily recommend.

TWICE A BROKEN BREATH

By Lisette Brodey

Liam stops at the bank only to find out all his money is gone, and accounts are closed. In a panic, he rushes home to find his wife had left him for her first love and taken their daughter with them. There is a note explaining they are leaving the country within twenty-four hours with a powerful threat he’d never see his daughter again if he followed her or called the authorities. Knowing time is of the essence, he goes where he thinks his wife and child will be in New York. He hops on a train in this fast-paced chase that doesn’t slow down until almost the very end. Liam is a multi-layered character who not only has forgotten the first fourteen years of his life because of an accident, but his wife has deceived him, and he now only has a limited time to find the daughter he cherishes. It’s a heavy load, but he finds help in unexpected places along the way, along with people who don’t want him looking. There were many unexpected twists, a couple I had a hunch about, but it all added to Liam’s confusion and determination. I finally got to catch my breath close to the end as it all came together. An exciting page-turner for those who like a thriller with heart and one I can easily recommend.

Their Inseparable Bond

By Jill Weatherholt

Olivia, a divorced ER doctor from Miami, comes to small-town Bluebell, CO to bring her grandmother, Myrna, to live with her. The problem is that even with her deteriorating eyesight, Myrna doesn’t want to leave her home and friends. Olivia meets Myrna’s friends, including the widower Jake and his twins, Kyle and Kayla. Jake trains service dogs and has a puppy Callie, who he thinks would be a good fit for family friend Myrna, to help her stay home. Olivia must decide if the untrained pup could be an option, or if she should stick to the plan and insist her grandmother leave. In the mix is Olivia’s developing friendship with Jake and his children and a bit of matchmaking. I love not only the budding possible romance between Olivia and Jake but also the relationship that develops between Olivia and the children and Callie. A heartwarming Christian story that shows how faith mixed with forgiveness can offer a glimpse of that second chance. A quick uplifting read that I can easily recommend.

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

December Book Reviews! @bakeandwrite @AuthorIseult @JillWeatherholt @YouAreTheExpert @Dwallacepeach #writingcommunity #mustreads #bookreview

Neema the Misfit Giraffe

By Robbie Cheadle and Michael Cheadle

Neema is a giraffe that looks a little different on the outside. Her current herd shuns her and Neema finally breaks away from them with no hope of finding acceptance or a mate. The story is beautifully told using rhyming, which is fun to read. There are amazing photos, video links, and artwork included that add that special layer to this children’s book. After the story, there are many giraffe facts included to add to the experience that is for beginning readers or parents and children to enjoy together—although I appreciated this too. This will make a fantastic gift for my youngest grandchildren. I can highly recommend “Neema the Misfit Giraffe” which not only entertains and educates but offers a lesson that being different is okay.

Myths of the Mirror (Dragon Soul Quartet #1)

By D. Wallace Peach

Treasa didn’t know her exiled and deceased father or much about the old ways. She lives with her mother in a world where dragons are cruelly treated and used for profit. The young man, Conall, who she is drawn to wants to be a dragon rider. He set aside feelings and did what was necessary to get there. Treasa finally sees the dragon’s living conditions, and it sickens her. This puts a wedge in their budding relationship. I must admit I felt the same as Treasa about how dragons were treated and rooted for the dragons. It heartened me that the old ways had a different approach that benefited the dragons and riders, but it was equally bleak at the level of the current fearful deception and greed. I loved Treasa’s character and her best friend, Gae, along with the little dragon pet, Trag. As Treasa learns more about her father’s past, Conall finally gets his day in the spotlight. There’s not only friend, love, and family relationships explored, but also what’s acceptable in the name of fortune and security. A well-written story that was hard to put down and I’m eager to continue this series to see what happens next. I can highly recommend “Myths of the Mirror.”

The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger

By Thomas Wikman

“The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle” introduces the reader to a charming dog, Bronco. I loved learning not only the history and care of this enormous dog but also his special place in the Wikman family. The first half of the book was stories from the day the sweet puppy came home to the moment he crossed the rainbow bridge. Having had a large dog years ago, I found myself connected with many of the shared events, especially the training, walks, and eating. It was wonderful as new dog members were brought into the family and how the dogs interacted. Within these stories were tips and facts that added to the experience. I laughed out loud a few times and wiped away tears, too. This book not only educates about a unique dog but captures the love of the humans who share their house with them. A heartwarming read filled with lots of great information that anyone who loves dogs, and animals, will enjoy. I can highly recommend this engaging read!

Gone But Not Forgotten

By Iseult Murphy

“Gone But Not Forgotten” is a quick horror mystery that is set on Halloween. It’s been a year since Bill’s wife drowned while taking a bath. His widowed neighbor, Mere, comes by to help him get through a tough night that is haunted by a ghost. Although my suspicions were right, there was an added twist that brought an extra layer into this page-turner. An exciting read that I can easily recommend to fans of horror.

Second Chance Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

“Second Chance Romance” is a sweet Christian romance set in a charming small town. A local paramedic, Jackson, was on his way to pick up his young daughter Rebecca when he came across an accident. He immediately rescued the woman, Melanie, and got her to the hospital. Luckily, Melanie only had some bumps and bruises that only required an overnight watch, and she was back on her quest to ask her only living relative to come live with her. Unfortunately for Melanie, her aunt Phoebe had no desire to leave. Melanie wasn’t an easy woman to deal with. Only her aunt knew that a horrible accident had claimed Melanie’s daughter and husband and how much she was hurting. Melanie had lost all her faith and couldn’t wait to get back to her job, which consumed all her time. I loved the developing relationship between Melanie with not only Jackson but also his daughter. Sweet Gum seemed like a place Melanie could heal if she allowed it to happen. A few twists changed her life in ways she didn’t expect. A well-written story that weaves in not only a woman’s coming to grips with her past, and possible romance, but her spiritual healing, too. This is a feel-good HEA that I can easily recommend.

Son of BOOKU Returns: with more Halloween haiku

By Annette Rochelle Aben

“Son of BOOKU Returns” is another great addition to the BOOKU family. I loved all the pictures from Lorraine Parent’s Halloween display included with the short poems. It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween, any time of the year. Each poem left me smiling. Here are lines from some favorites: “I feel accepted/They’re not spooked by my colors…”, “Wishing on the moon/We hope that when we grow up…”, “Merry pole dancers/Nightly shows through Halloween…”, and “The trees are alive/But we’re not! Get it?….” A whimsical poetry collection to add a sparkle to the Halloween season for all who love or need the lighter side of spooky.

Legacy of Souls (The Shattered Sea #2)

By D. Wallace Peach

“Legacy of Souls” began with Raze enjoying some deserved peace. Leaving behind the politics of his noble birth and losing his wife, it looked like he’d found love again on his farm. But his father shows up and asks a favor of Raze to accompany him to see the Empress. In a society of slavery, murder, and greed, Raze must fight to save the ones he loves. Raze’s world is beautifully created, offering both its gentle and cruel side. I fell in love with many of the characters, including Raze and Bel, who only wanted a happily ever after. It was almost within their grasp until it was ripped away. There were several villains in this layered story who were made worse by their practice of soul swallowing, and one had manipulation perfected. One of my favorite characters, Johzar, balanced between right and wrong, tipping some of his actions more to almost kind-hearted. There were many twists and Raze had to decide whether to swallow another soul to have skills he lacked to fight evil. What I found fascinating is the idea of taking someone’s soul after they die and absorbing it into their essence. The person may gain the captured soul’s wisdom, feelings, skills, or even cruelty. The idea of taking away the freedom to move on after death seemed like the slavery of the soul, although that was not how it was viewed—by most. A thrilling fantasy that was hard to put down and can be read as a standalone, but I was glad I read the first book and made the journey with Raze. I highly recommend this for those who love compelling fantasy.

NOTE: Next week will be an early Books that Changed Me Winter Edition and my newsletter will be going out early, so I can take a holiday break. Watch for a special post Thursday.

Embrace your inner child by reading a book. Gift that inner child by giving a book to someone special this holiday season. D. L. Finn

July Book Reviews! @TonyaWrites @judypost @VeraDayAuthor @LBroday @sgc58 #writtingcommunity #readersoftwitter

Flights of Fancy

By Sally Cronin

“Flights of Fancy” is a wonderful collection of short stories and a novella. Each tale was heartfelt and layered in settings that drew me into the stories. There was romance, paranormal, revenge, and justice in this mix. I loved all the well-written stories for different reasons, but a few stood out to me. “The Other Side of Heaven,” and “Curtains” were beautifully told tales that included a glimpse into the afterlife and a few well-shed tears on my part. I adored ”Henry’s Story” which was told through a cat’s eyes, but I think my favorite was the novella, “Sewing Circle.” When an older woman is murdered, her close-knit group of senior friends does not allow themselves to play the victim role. I loved their strength and determination to right the wrongs in their unique way. This is a fantastic group of stories that I can easily recommend!

One Shot at Love Pink Pistol Sisterhood #7

By Linda Broday

“One Shot at Love” is the seventh book in the series, but I had no problem jumping into this without reading the past stories. Mariah is a nineteen-year-old girl who has become the head of her household after losing both parents in the early 1900s. She is responsible for her siblings, works at the local general store, and carries a shotgun because of the absence of law in their small town and a family of criminals out of control. When Dax, the cowboy, arrives in town to search for his sister who was abducted, he and Mariah feel an immediate attraction. However, Mariah has no trust in men. Someone finds a box containing a pink pistol and gives it to Mariah along with an interesting legend. This makes her begin to question who and what to trust. I love not only the attraction between Mariah and Dax but the friendship and kindness that also develop. Mariah is a strong character and willing to sacrifice for her siblings. I couldn’t help but root for her happiness and safety. The setting and era were so richly described that I was drawn even deeper into the story. A quick but satisfying read that I can easily recommend.

Happiness Is A Warm Cat

By Emily Gmitter

“Happiness Is A Warm Cat” is a fun collection that bounces between Zoe, the cat’s point of view, and Emily, the author. Zoe provides a cat’s-eye view of the world. Zoe’s caretaker, Ms. Gmitter, provides short stories, poetry, and interactions with Kris Kristofferson. There is a little something for everyone, especially cat lovers and fans of romance, but many other subjects drew me in. Because it was unique, it is hard to narrow down my favorites. I enjoyed Zoe’s perspective throughout the collection and the short stories and poetry, all for different reasons. There was also Ms. Gmitter’s artwork added to the mix, which captivated me. Although Zoe is the star of this book, it is a fun collection for not only animal lovers but those who enjoy a nice variety.

The Rat In The Python: Book 1 The Home

By Alex Craigie

“The Rat in the Python” is a fun look into the past or the 50s and 60s in the UK. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Craigie’s fictional books and wasn’t disappointed in her dive into nonfiction. It is still well written with a touch of humor weaved into it. “Book 1 The Home” takes us back to times before not only cell phones and computers but a lot of the modern house conveniences we are used to. People in the UK were still recovering from WWll and if they wanted a meal, the women cooked it with what was available. There were no microwaves, freezers full of food, or delivery takeout to depend on. I was born during this time and remember some of it, like the rolling pictures on the small black and white televisions. This issue could usually be resolved by adjusting a knob or moving the rabbit ears, but if none of that worked, there was always the sharp pound on the side of the TV. There was a magazine article that made me cringe. It had a housewife’s itinerary that was not only a twelve-hour day, but every minute filled with cleaning, cooking, laundry, ironing, food prep, child and husband care, and all the other things expected from a 50s woman. I believe I would have been a terrible 50s housewife. This is a fascinating peek into our past that shows not only how times have changed, but how we have changed. I enjoyed this, and look forward to reading more in this series.

Venetian Rhapsody

By Tonya Penrose

Sofia has spent the last year in Venice to finish her education before going back to Boston and the job of her dreams. At the very end of her time in Italy, she comically meets Eduardo and they both end up in the mud. Although she immediately finds him attractive, Sophia is also very put out about their encounter. Later that evening, they find themselves at the same dinner party, and, even with her hesitation, a friendship blooms. I love the banter between Eduardo and Sophia and all the “help” that attempts to bring these two together. The Venice setting was so lush and detailed that it brought me back to when I visited several years ago. Plus, the food and people Ms. Penrose so eloquently describes were just as inviting and tasty as I remember for the characters too. The couple who lives outside of Venice hear the word fate a lot, but one of them always sidetracks that. The infusion of magic through meetings and later plants captured something way beyond just two people meeting. “Venetian Rhapsody” is not only a beautiful love story, but it has a soundtrack that I want to listen to after reading about Sophie and Eduardo. This is a romantic tale I can highly recommend!

When Did We Lose Sylvia?

By Vera Day

“When Did We Lose Sylvia” is a fun debut by Ms. Day. Betty is a middle-aged poet who volunteers to teach a summer class at the local high school. As she maneuvers teaching the class and gaining the upper hand, she notices a talented young goth girl, Sylvia. When Betty and her best friend, Flora, drop by Sylvia’s house, they find more than they expected. Now they have a dead body and missing people. Betty, who doesn’t drive, is determined to find out what happened. Betty’s relationships were enjoyable, especially with her husband and Flora, her comical chauffeur. A lot of humor is sprinkled into this whodunit with a couple of twists that kept me engaged. The infusion of poetry into the story was one of my favorite parts. If you enjoy small-town Christian cozy mysteries, you won’t want to miss this one.

Muddy River Mystery One (Raven and Hester Mysteries #1)

By Judi Lynn

Hester lives in a hidden supernatural community with her coven of witches. She is a long-lived and powerful witch, who lives alone with her familiar. When a coven of young witches dies suddenly, the town enforcer, a demon named Raven, investigates their deaths. Raven pulls Hester into the probe to help him because it involves magic. They are interesting characters that seem to be drawn to each other even though they are so different. Besides magic and mystery, these two characters focus on the simple things in life, like cooking a meal together. I really liked the ocelot familiar who was always there for Hester. I developed an empathy for whoever the killer ended up being. This is a clean, romantic paranormal mystery that was an enjoyable read.

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: There will be no post next week. I will be off celebrating my birthday. Be back July 24th!

Embrace that inner child this summer by reading a good book by the lake, pool, or under the stars. D. L. Finn

February Book Reviews Part 3! @SharonKConnell @PamSCanepa1 @cwbigelow1 @LisetteBrodey #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #bookreviews

Tall Pines Sanctuary

By Sharon K. Connell

Faith inherited her grandparents’ cabin in the deep woods of Colorado after her grandfather’s passing. Her best friend, Hope, is staying with her there through the holidays. Faith had broken off her engagement to Josiah while he was away serving in the army and did not know he had returned home. Late one night, someone tries to break into the house, scaring them. Faith believes her grandfather’s death wasn’t an accident and may be connected to the break-in. A massive storm hits, and they end up with some interesting houseguests. “Tall Pines Sanctuary” is a Christian-based story that deals with love, family, and forgiveness. I liked that one resolution was resolved early in the story, but other answers were revealed at the end. There was a beautiful setting, a place I could imagine living, and caring friendships. The pet ferret quickly became a favorite. This was an entertaining story about relationships and a mystery to be solved for those who enjoy faith-based stories.

Crossroads Diner #205

By Pamela Schloesser Canepa

“Crossroads Diner” is a quick read with a few surprises. Janie is a server in a small diner, and a storm rages outside. A cowboy enters and shows interest in her scars. Then he helps a young woman in trouble. At first, it seems like a tired woman will get the man of her dreams, but it veers off in a different direction. I love how this diner represents a crossroads. The conflict within Janie about why she’s there is never fully brought to light, leaving me curious. A clever story layered into a mysterious personal journey.

Fractured Reflections: Poems

By C.W. Bigelow

“Fractured Reflections” is a collection of poetry that has been published in various outlets but is new to me. I appreciated how emotions, observations, and subjects were approached through the vivid use of images, including nature references. Here are a few of my favorites. “Skeletal trees, up to their knees in mighty snow mounds/gather in paralyzed, mute crowds of bleak shadows”—Cabin Fever in March. “while you gave/me a final blink/and somewhere,/leapt one last time”—A Leaping Dog. “Walking by chains of sturdy oak pews/through the inebriating scent of/Frankincense and Myrrh,/my footsteps echoed off the high ceilings.”—Confirmation. “sculpted flanks shimmering, flexing tightly/each elegant vault pumped with/magnificent potency – until”—Come November. “At first the petals cling to the vine in panic/before succumbing to the darkness,”—A Death Unattended. “Each arm, some scarred with leaves,/other’s bare/slithering, climbing, never ending/their struggle for the screened rays of winter sun.”—The Greenhouse. This is poetry that is meant to be read more than more, and I can easily recommend it.

ALL THAT WAS TAKEN

By Lisette Brodey

“All That Was Taken” is a contemporary dramatic thriller. John craves a solitary life. He buys a cottage in a small coastal town that suits his quest for privacy. While it is getting worked on, he stays at a local inn and develops a friendship with the owner, Sunny. As they learn about the losses the other has suffered, it becomes apparent that someone is stalking each of them for different reasons. As the couple unravels their history, their past haunts them in unsettling ways. Although it takes John much longer to share his story, there are a couple of surprises that I couldn’t have guessed. I love how John and Sunny’s dogs take to each other as much as their masters do. Sunny has a supportive group around her, and the group is careful with each other’s feelings. There are many layers to this story, and some include cruel, controlling behavior. This is a unique story for those who enjoy a darker second chance.

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