October Book Reviews! @TWDittmer @SueColetta1 @ninsthewriter @Dwallacepeach @SarahBrentyn @alliepottswrite #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whatyoushouldbereading

The Valley Walker

By T.W. Dittmer

Teri Altro who is a part of a government drug enforcement team, is almost gunned down at a store. A mysterious man steps in, saves her, and then disappears. This man turns out to be John Walker Micheals, who is an ex-Vietnam vet. John also has close ties to the Hmong community who call him the Valley Walker. He is wanted by the government for desertion, but Teri is protective of the man who not only saved her life, but she shot. The settings and descriptions of the Vietnam War and the Hmong culture were very detailed and added a depth that made this story hard to put down. The flowing time and locations in the book include mysticism, politics, and powerful drug traffickers. Teri worked hard but forgot about her heart. John’s character is unpredictable until the end. I loved how this complex tale unfolded so skillfully on many levels. It is a story I can easily recommend.

Wings of Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #1)

By Sue Coletta

 

I started this series with book six, “Restless Mayhew” and was immediately drawn into the story. After that, I wanted to know what happened before, so I started with book one and found the beginning equally compelling. Shawnee is a cat burglar who steals from criminals to give back to their victims—she also works for the police department. When she was a cat burglar, she discovered the identity of a serial killer. Unfortunately, he found out that she had broken into his house and taken his prized possession, along with some cash and gems. Although the killer is known right away, the book is still a page-turner, and I couldn’t wait to find out how she survived. At first, I wanted her to turn the killer in to save his victims from his creative yet inhuman and painful deaths. Shawnee was in a dangerous position and not only had to save herself but those she loved. Plus, she dates a detective who can easily throw her in jail if he finds out too much about her. Shawnee is not only a flawed individual but a determined one who had me on her side. A well-written thriller that kept me up late into the night, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I can’t wait to read the next in the series and can easily recommend this to those who love fast-paced mysteries with graphic details of being a victim and a survivor.

 

Dark Eyes

By Nina Romano

“Dark Eyes” is set in the Soviet Union in the 1950s. Anya is a young, unwed mother who struggles to provide food for her daughter after escaping an abusive relationship. After her daughter’s grandmother is brutally murdered, Anya wants to find the killer. This pulls her into a corrupt criminal world that ventures into the police department and includes dolls, diamonds, and drugs. Andrei is a police photographer trying to get hired onto the force. They meet during the investigation and seem drawn to each other. I didn’t like Andrei at first because of his initial interactions with Anya. Later, as I got to know Andrei and Anya better, I became invested in these characters and rooted for their survival. Ms. Romano paints a vivid picture of how it would have been to be living in those times in the Soviet Union, especially as a woman. In the Soviet Union, shortages of food, heat, and jobs made life difficult. It was also risky to disagree with the KGB or be Jewish. A couple of scenes with Anya were graphic and brutal but showed her strength and determination to survive for her mentally challenged daughter and to find the truth. This story draws you into a world we are lucky we don’t live in and offers hope amongst cruelty. A historical fiction love story I can easily recommend.

The Shadows We Breathe (Volume 3)

By Sarah Brentyn and various authors

This is the first anthology I’ve read of “The Shadows We Breathe (Volume 3)” and really enjoyed it. I recognized a couple of the authors but was also introduced to new ones. The book is put together with first flash fiction and then micro-fiction with the theme of power. I loved all the different perspectives that were taken in the stories. Some touched on some very dark subjects, but all were well told. I enjoyed them all so I don’t have a favorite story, but the micro-fiction was compelling in what could be told in fewer words. Although a fast read, it wasn’t light on entertainment or depth. I can easily recommend this collection to those who want to explore the shadowy side of life.

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

“The Harbor Pointe Series!” #Preorder #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #readersoffacebook #mystery #horror #drama

Hi!

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming release of The Habor Pointe Series! It’s a collaboration of eight authors from the Story Empire team. It all starts with “The Price of Atonement” that releases on September 26, 2023, and ends with “Room at the End” on January 9, 2024.

The stories are set in a fictional Northern California town. They begin when the inn was new in the late 1800s and flow through the decades into the future. Each one has the author’s unique flair, which makes this series so very compelling. I focused on the late 1960s and had fun with that era.

Curious? Check out this video:

 

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

The Price of Atonement by Mae Clair

9-26-23

Amazon US Amazon UK


The Gift by Gwen M. Plano

10-17-23

Amazon US Amazon UK


The Destination by D. L. Finn

10-31-23

Amazon US Amazon UK


The Seas of Time by D. Wallace Peach

11-14-23

Amazon US Amazon UK


The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sikes

11-28-23

Amazon US Amazon UK


A Fathomless Affair by Staci Troilo

12-5-23

Amazon US Amazon UK


A Death at the Inn by Joan Hall

1-2-24

Amazon US Amazon UK


The Room at the End by Harmony Kent

1-9-24

Universal Link

Amazon US Amazon UK

I was honored to work with such amazing talent. I hope you will check out every one of these amazing stories. Embrace your inner child by reading a fantastic story! D. L Finn

August Book Reviews! @supermegawoman @FizaPathan @teagangeneviene @SelmaWrites #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #bookreviews

You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie: Stories about growing up on the Canadian prairies

By Darlene Foster

“You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie” is a heartwarming collection that glimpses into the author’s life of what it was like growing up in Southern Alberta in the 1950s and 60s. I have always had a curiosity about Alberta since my grandmother was born there in the 1920s. The heartwarming stories had me either laughing or shedding a few tears, and immediately drew me in. Ms. Foster’s family didn’t have all the extras that others had, but she was blessed with a beautiful childhood full of love. I loved the relationship between not only her and her grandmother, but her father, too. It wasn’t always an easy life and there was heartbreak along with the celebrations, but this was a family that was always there for each other. I read this in one sitting and can only hope there are more stories to come. I can highly recommend these stories.

In The Shadow of Rainbows

By Selma Martin

“In The Shadow of Rainbows,” is Ms. Martin’s debut poetry book that I thoroughly enjoyed. There is a nice blend of nature with the emotional side of poems. The words flowed through the pages with vivid images and insights. I enjoyed them all but here are a few lines and poems that caught my eye: “nurtured under the illimitable/distant sun, fulfilling stories/among the starlight…”—Give Back, “Light illuminates/all who wander/in darkness and delusion…”—Let Go. “When death comes/I want to be led into eternity/curious, full of joy…”—When Death Comes, “The green outside is winking at me/it arose merely moments ago,/like a well-rested child rising from sleep,…”—Nature’s Tender Doings, and  “I almost died of exuberance/snorkeling around the unspoiled/coral reef/ when, in the dull hum of silence…”—I Almost Died. A wonderful collection to savor more than once that I can easily recommend for poetry lovers.

Murder at the Bijou: Three Ingredients I

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Ms. Geneviene wrote “Murder at the Bijou” as a part of her weekly blog serial story. This is one I missed, so I was eager to read it. Readers contributed three words each week or chapter. At the end of some chapters, or installments, a list of ingredients that made me hungry was included. Pip is sent to live with her grandma to learn how to cook, but she ends up dealing with a murder mystery and criminals. I love it was set in the twenties and Pip considers herself a flapper or a modern woman. A quick read that includes gangsters and a budding love story that took a sharp turn. Besides Pip, Granny, a parrot, and a rabbit were also my favorites. This unique cozy mystery is great to snuggle up with in any season.

Nirmala: The Mud Blossom

By Fiza Pathan

“Nirmala” is a painful and sometimes inspiring read that was hard to put down. Nirmala was born to a family that didn’t want a female child, so they threw her away. She was found, though, and returned to her family. Growing up she suffered through not only staggering poverty but beatings and abuse which are graphicly described. She could go to school only to teach her younger brothers and advance them. In school, she was shunned because of her lack of hygiene, but she also was a top student. Her dream was to be a doctor. I couldn’t help but root for a girl in a society that wasn’t welcoming. She had a deep strength that shined through, even in the darkest of situations until the very end. Although she didn’t get to pursue her dream, a marriage was arranged, and it seemed to be a place of peace for her—until it wasn’t. The heart-wrenching part was this is the stark reality for some women in Mumbai. A beautiful young girl who was gifted with intelligence being constantly told she was trash. There is no happy ending, but it fits her situation. A well-written story I can easily recommend that shines a light on how unfairly some women are still treated in our world.

More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose

By Lauren Scott

“More than Coffee” is a thought-provoking collection of Ms. Scott’s memories mixed with beautiful poetry. Her stories tell of past events, such as how her parents met and her own beginning with her husband. I could easily relate to spiders always finding her. The poetry in between the prose added extra insight and layers to this great read. I read it in one sitting, but it would be good to savor each part with a cup of coffee or, in my case, tea. I enjoyed all the stories and the positive spin they had, no matter where the emotions went. There were glimpses into relationships between people, ventures into nature, and childhood. I can’t pick a favorite narrative, but I can share some of the many poems that caught my eye. “With childlike fascination,/I leaned against the door frame/watching her apply a little/powder to her nose, a touch of red to her lip./No more, no less…”—Red Lipstick, “Gazing high beyond their treetops/Where birds build family dwellings,/Dreams begin to bloom, worries lessen…”—Forever Steady, “Harmony lives in each flow of a breeze/In each gentle embrace of evergreens/The clear blue is our enchanting shield…”—Her Offerings, and “It’s freedom, fun, and magical/as tires hum on the road/A wave of a hand/befits the two-wheel code…”—Riding with the Wind. This is an inspiring collection I can easily recommend!

Watch for an exciting announcement from Story Empire this week and a special post from me on Wednesday!

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

Books That Changed Me: 2023 Summer Edition! @SueColetta1 @Ivyloganauthor @JacqBiggar @bakeandwrite #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #summerreadinglist

Welcome to the 2023 Summer Edition of  Books That Changed Me. Summer is a time for backyard BBQs, swimming, vacations, ice cream, and reading. Today I’m sharing four of my top reads that would be excellent for summer reading by the pool, lake, or cozy by the nice air conditioning or fan in my case. You’ve already seen my reviews for these books, so here’s their blurb with a link if you want to add a good read to your summer reading list.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Restless Mayhem (The Mayhem Series Book 6) 

By Sue Coletta

Amidst a rising tide of poachers, three unlikely eco-warriors take a stand to save endangered Eastern Gray Wolves—even if it means the slow slaughter of their captors.

Deep in the woods of Jackson, New Hampshire, an ancient evil lurks. Armed poachers patrol a secret enclosure, holding captive a pack of majestic Eastern Gray Wolves. But three unlikely eco-warriors are determined to free the wolves, embarking on a dangerous mission to end their torture. With courage and conviction, Shawnee, Mayhem, and Jacy Lee march onward, even if it means risking their own lives to take down the poachers and restore freedom to the wolves. It’s a battle between justice and injustice, and the eco-warriors are determined to win—no matter the cost.

But what if something even more evil lurks in those woods? What if Shawnee’s not ready to answer the cry for help?

Metamorphosis The Breach Chronicles #2

By Ivy Logan

“When you loved someone more than anything in the world, you showed them who you were, even knowing there was a possibility they would hate you for it, even if it broke your heart. But you did it anyway because you loved them and the need to save them was greater than your need for self-preservation.”

Amidst the luminescence and incandescent beauty of the rare pink diamonds of Peradora, South America, lives Amelia, a teen oblivious to her supernatural bloodline. It would appear that she has the perfect life.

Until it turns out, her entire life is a lie
Forced to confront secrets from her past

Amelia has to distinguish between the truth and lies in her brutal fight against the Peradorian dictator, her own uncle.

Her metamorphosis becomes the clarion call of a revolution
Matters of the heart complicate her life further

Will she ever get over her first love Adrian whose adventurous spirit made her feel alive? Is Noah, the handsome bodyguard she just can’t seem to ignore, a foe, a friend or much more than that?

Both Noah and Adrian are hiding secrets of their own
Will their secrets destroy Amelia?

As she takes on the fight of her life, Amelia will soon learn that some secrets are best buried in the past, and some truths can set you free.

And in the end
She is the girl with no face
Will she find herself again?

Metamorphosis is a dark and fractured fairy tale and fantasy about a love story born from the roots of hate.Based on the theme of star-crossed lovers, it alludes to Rapunzel, Snow White and Beauty and The Beast, combining flavors of all these timeless fairy tale classics and setting them against the harsh reality of real life – blood diamonds and rebellion. Add to the mix a heroine inspired by Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott and you have a young girl, pretty much a prisoner in a golden cage, but determined to find herself- save herself and others.
So, why is she referred to as …
‘The Girl With No Face?’

Letting Go- The Defiant Sisters Book 1

By Jacquie Biggar

A coming-of-age novel about the pain of misconceptions and learning from them.

When life gives you lemons…

Izzy

Mom is barely in the grave and the prodigal child is here to pick the bones clean.

I don’t want her here. My sister’s defection is a wound that won’t heal, and her return simply rubs at the scabs covering my heart.

I’ve managed just fine without her. She can go back to her fancy college and forget about us- that’s what she does best anyway.

If only I didn’t need her help. Or miss her so much.

Renee

The day my dad committed suicide I ran. I’ve been running ever since.

Going home is supposed to be the answer. Instead, it makes me question every thoughtless decision I’ve made.

My sister hates me. My little brother barely knows me. And Simon… is engaged.

None of it matters- or so I tell myself. I’m here to make amends and face a past haunted by regret.

As long as I can convince myself to stay.

Letting Go is a new adult romance dealing with tragedy, restitution, and love in all its aspects. The story relates to sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers.

Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife

By Robbie Cheadle

Do you rely on Earth for your survival?

Lion Scream is a graphic collection of poetry and prose. The book portrays the author’s experiences with South African wildlife and the growing impact of the Sixth Mass Extinction and Climate Change on the natural environment.

Lion Scream
There is no jungle
Only acres of smooth stumps
There is no jungle
No habitat, no food source
Hopeless lion screams tonight

“In this reflective collection of syllabic poetry, poet Roberta Cheadle weaves words, emotions, and images as she recounts her soul-stirring journey around South Africa in 2022. She highlights the plight of the animals in the face of the Sixth Mass Extinction, during a visit to Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve. Lion Roar is a poetic and photographic roadmap to the heart & soul of South Africa with highlights about the increasing impact of global warming on humanity and the greater planet. A must read!”
Colleen M. Chesebro, Author of Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry

June Book Reviews and a wedding picture! @TonyaWrites @sgc58 @WordDreams @SueColetta1 @teagangeneviene @DAntion @AnnalisaCrawf #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter

A Secret Gift

By Tonya Penrose

Halley, who is a successful businesswoman, receives an anonymous offer to live her dream in a town she fell in love with. The only catch is she must find love within the year, a part-time job, and write a book. With her book started, and a job obtained, she finds two interesting men who might be a love interest, one more than the other according to her test, but not necessarily her heart. This is a pleasant seaside town where everyone is nice—with an exception or two. I could easily imagine myself living in this location and would love to get an offer like Halley received. The town is welcoming, and Halley is offered a dwelling to live in while the cottage was being finished that she bought through her mysterious benefactor. Along the way, she learns about herself and what is important to her. There is humor and growth along this journey for Halley. I love the relationships she develops, especially with Mick, the sea captain, Libby who offers good advice, Ginger, her new best friend and boss, and especially Sally and her daughter Tulip. But it’s the one with Ben that adds a special layer to this sweet story and offers a real chance to Halley to find love if they can get past themselves. An excellent clean, romantic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can recommend.

Tales From The Garden 

By Sally Cronin

“Tales From The Garden” is a whimsical collection of stories that dives into the magical world just outside our window. Each tale captivated me, especially when the fairies were involved. I particularly loved when the pregnant deer found this garden, as well as a young boy who was protecting a goose. The collection ends with a beautiful tribute to the 94-year-old mother or Mollie (The Duchess) Coleman. I always knew those statues outside in the garden held a little magic and these charming stories captured that beautifully. A quick but very satisfying read for adults of any age who want to remember that spark we carried inside as children. It would be a splendid set of stories for children to share with their adults too. I can easily recommend these tales.

 Twenty-Four Days Rowe-Delamagente #2

By J. Murray

I read and loved “To Hunt a Sub” and have been eager to read this second installment in the Rowe-Delamagente Series. I not only enjoyed “Twenty-Four Days” but thought the story was even more exciting, which I didn’t think was possible. The same characters that I rooted for, and against, returned. Otto the AI’s growth, and new body, made him my favorite character, and it was nerve-racking seeing Sean trying to do the right thing. It was up to Kali, Zeke, and Otto to save the world from war. Like the first book, the attention to detail drew me deep into the story. The reader is taken into a submarine and onto the open sea on a Navy ship with cruel terrorists lurking. North Korea and the hijacking extreme terrorists seem determined to start a conflict, but Kali and Zeke need to find out who is running things. A well-written, action-packed story that was hard to put down. I can easily recommend “Twenty-Four Days” but suggest you start with the first story, so you don’t miss anything!

Cat and The Dreamer

By Annalisa Crawford

Julia survived a suicide pact she’d made with her only friend and the new kid in school, Rachel. Fifteen years later, she is still trying to survive. Julia lives with her parents and has a job but again no friends. She meets a kind young man, Adam, who changes all of that. Her life changes slowly in a more positive direction, but her inner world is just under the surface. At first, I found the story hard to wrap my mind around. Although I understood the dream world parts, it was her alternative that took me a minute to realize what was going on. Julia combined all the people who bullied her. I quickly settled into the story and her realities. Then I found it hard to put down, especially when she flashed back to her suicide attempt and how she met Rachel. “Cat and The Dreamer” deals with some powerful issues, that include suicide, bullying, and mental health. Everything comes together by the end, and I came up with a theory of what really happened, but I won’t share that here. A very unusual and powerful heart-wrenching read where I just couldn’t help but root for Julia. I can easily recommend this novella.

The Inyan Beacon 

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene and Dan Antion

“The Inyan Beacon” is a quick read that not only easily blends two authors but two genres, sci-fi, and westerns. Tank and his synth, Compass are passing through a small western town in the future. Tank is determined to get into a tower and feels he can undo some of the harm from the past. My favorite character quickly became Compass. Who wouldn’t want beautiful blue skin? There was a fun twist waiting for them, which I enjoyed. A short and satisfying read, and a world I’d like to explore more.

Restless Mayhem (The Mayhem Series Book 6) 

By Sue Coletta

I have the rest of The Mayhem Series on my Kindle and have been eager to block out some time to read it. Usually, I’ll go back and start a series from the first book, but “Restless Mayhem” tugged at me. So, I jumped right in and found that I could easily figure out what was going on as I learned who everyone was. I loved Shawnee and her relationship with her grandfather and now mentor, Mr. Mayhem, but my favorite characters were the crows, especially Poe. Shawnee, her grandfather, and Mr. Mayhem are eco-warriors who want to save gray wolves from horrible conditions while Shawnee embarks on a spiritual journey. The details and information created a world that I was swept into. There is a pull between handling situations more spiritually than physically. Plus, something evil has awakened that they have to contend with during their sometimes-bloody missions. I will definitely go back to learn more about these characters’ journeys. I can highly recommend this story to those who love animals, Native American spirituality, action, and justice at all costs.

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:

Wedding, 1983

Honeymoon, 1983

  • There will be no post next week as I will be celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary. We plan to go to South Lake Tahoe and enjoy a boat ride and stay at a local hotel 🙂 Maybe later in the week we’ll venture to a hot springs too.
  • I will be back June 19th with another From Finn’s Forest.

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

April Book Reviews Part 2! @PatFurstenberg @judithbarrow77 @Sandra_Cox #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustreads #readersoftwitter #readersoffacebook

As Good as Gold: A dog’s life in poems

By Patricia Furstenberg

“As Good as Gold” is a wonderful collection of poetry for the young at heart to share with the children in your life. It gives us a glimpse of the world through an animal’s perspective. There are several themes, including seasonal and a great insight into what a dog might be thinking. Different styles of poetry are showcased, each a tiny slice of a dog’s life. It’s hard not to smile when looking through a dog’s eyes. This is a beautiful collection for dog and animal lovers of all ages who enjoy poetry.

Sunset

By Sandra Cox

Eighteen-year-old Gillian has wealth, beauty, and a stunning house, but she also lives with a curse. During the night hours, she and her best friend, Merrick, the cat, can do anything they want, but at sunrise they are whisked into a big chuck of marble to spend the day. It was a genie’s tradeoff for all her ancestor’s riches. The other catch to this wish, after falling in love, the first-born daughter dies after giving birth to their first-born daughter. Gillian lives with this, especially avoiding interaction with young men. That all changes when she saves a young girl, and realizes her caretakers have hired the handsome older brother. Gillian is determined to find the genie and break the spell, while someone means her harm. I love the relationship between Gillian and Merrick, the talking cat, and her loyal caretakers. She is a strong young woman who wants to make changes while fighting her feelings. A read that was hard to put down and I can easily recommend it, especially to those who love a good paranormal romance.

Yes I Can!

Bobbi Dot

“Yes I Can!” is a whimsically illustrated young reader’s book with a positive Christian message. It is great for parents to read with their young children or beginning readers. Its theme is not only believing in yourself, but God. This is ideal for parents and even Sunday schools that want to get that message across. A fun and meaningful debut by Ms. Dot.

Sisters

By Judith Barrow

Angie and Mandy are ordinary teenagers until a horrible tragedy tears their lives apart. It’s heartbreaking, and I wondered if the family would survive what’s happened. They don’t. Mandy takes the blame and is sent to live with her aunt and uncle. Here she becomes Lisa and finds some understanding. Angie, who doesn’t step up and do the right thing, can’t live with her guilt. She runs away, only to find life hard and survival harder. It’s at a funeral that the two girls meet again as adults. This is when pain and anger collide with a touch of love and forgiveness. Right or wrong, each character deals with the pain and loss in their own way. The past was gone and mishandled, but these broken people had the present moment. That’s when hope came into the story and brought back something that seemed impossible. I was taken on a journey through all my emotions. “Sisters” was a hard story to put down, and I highly recommend it.

Return to Silverhills

By Sandra Cox

I read and loved the first book, “Silverhills,” and was excited to see there was going to be a sequel. “Return to Silverhills” captivated me just like the first book did. There are many memorable characters, and revisiting the ones from the first book was like a joyful family reunion. Brandon and Alex return home with a larger family and a new friend, Lisa. Jeff, Brandon’s younger brother, is set to make a cattle run, but their cook has injured his arm. Lisa volunteers to go along and help. There is immediate chemistry between Lisa and Jeff, but she has sworn off men after what has happened to her. I love the grandfatherly relationship between Lisa and Cookie, and the sweet baby calf, Lucky, that thinks Jeff is his mother. The scenery is beautifully described, and I could easily imagine riding on the Chisholm trail with them. Lisa’s a strong character searching for her inner strength and a way to heal. As the group tries to survive the elements and cattle thieves, there is someone close to them to deal with. A fantastic western romance with healing, survival, family, trust, and love that I highly recommend.

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:

Book reviews and regular posts will be back May 16th after the Blog Tour.

You may have noticed more books in my review posts. This is what I’m doing now since I want to bring in other topics but don’t want to add another day other than my challenges, new releases, or updates.

One idea floating around is Finn’s Forest. This would vary from poetry, local lore, interesting animals facts to strange orbs. Plus, I can venture out into other nature areas too.

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

New Release! “Redemption” By Gwen Plano @gmplano #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #newrelease

I’m excited to have fellow Story Empire author and friend Gwen Plano, here today to talk about her latest book, “Redemption.” I’m reading this amazing book right now and loving it. The review will be posted very soon!

Thank you, Denise, for inviting me to your site today. It would be fun to join you for a cup of coffee in your magical Sierra foothills home. Since that’s not possible just yet, I’ll sip alone and share a bit about my latest book.

The story takes place in the Southeast corner of New York state, in the towns of New Rochelle and Cortlandt. The characters drive to Old Lyme, Connecticut, on occasion, but for the most part, the drama is in New York. Having spent about twenty years in and around that area, it was exciting to visit as a writer.

The book tackles themes of forgiveness and redemption through the mechanism of a family thriller. What does it mean to forgive when we’ve been deeply hurt? Is it possible for the culprit to be redeemed? What does that even mean? How do we create our future if we have an unresolved past?

Sometimes complicated situations help us see our own challenges in a different light. That is my hope for this book. Most of us won’t experience threats like those of my characters, but pain is pain, just as joy is joy. One may be more obvious than the other—but not less impactful.

In the excerpt below, the protagonist, Lisa Holmes, acknowledges that she sometimes knows things that others do not. At times her dreams/nightmares become a reality. This special gift plays an important part in the story.

EXCERPT

“Sometimes, I sense things. I can’t explain it. Since I was a kid, I knew things—about people, about places. Sometimes I had dreams.”

“Did you have a dream about this murder?”

“Yes and no. I dreamed of someone murdering Dad. I had the same dream several times, and that’s why I agreed to drive down for a visit. The nightmare didn’t tell me where or when, but I decided to tell my parents of my concerns. I never got to do that. The doorbell rang. I was too late.”

“Did you recognize the man?”

“No. A hoody covered his hair and face. I was in another room and could only make out his nose and hands. Nothing that would help identify him.”

“Your mom?”

“She can’t speak. Can’t move. I don’t know what she saw or if she can remember that day.” Lisa shifts in her seat, uncomfortable, and avoids eye contact.

“I’m deeply sorry, Lisa. This isn’t something you can forget, forgive, or even ignore easily. It will live in you until the mystery gets solved and there’s justice. Because of what you’ve seen and experienced, we might be able to help with that process. Are you ready to begin the work?”

Lisa purses her lips and stares at the psychologist. She doesn’t want to proceed, but given the circumstances, she agrees.

Dr. Schultz picks up his pen and moves forward in his seat. “When you think about your dreams, do you drift into that space?”

“Sort of. I just focus on it as though it were real and don’t pay attention to anything else.”

BLURB

Family secrets can be deadly. When Lisa Holmes visits her parents one fateful Saturday morning, she hugs her father and walks to her childhood bedroom. The doorbell rings. Her father opens the door, and one minute later, he lies dead on the floor—three bullets to the chest.

The Holmes family lives on a quiet street, but no one really knows Eric Holmes. He travels for business and comes home a few days each month. Unbeknown to all, Eric has multiple lives.

In this fast-paced psychological thriller, Lisa and her brother, Trace, embark on a quest to solve the mystery involving the murder of their father. The journey takes them into a secret world where nothing is as it seems. As the puzzle pieces begin to coalesce, they discover the meaning of Redemption.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3RebK0W

Amazon Purchase Page: https://amzn.to/3XKiLJn

Barnes and Noble: bit.ly/3JGgdbl

CONTACT INFORMATION:

BookBub: bit.ly/3Y26EI5

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3XIe6Yu

Story Empire: https://storyempire.com/gwen-m-plano

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmplano

Blog: www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections

 

 

 

 

 

January Book Reviews Part 1! @harmony_kent @LGauffreau #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #readersoftwitter

The Bubble Reputation

By Alex Craigie

“The Bubble Reputation” is a chilling read showing the dark side of social media and news. Emmie has it all. She is a successful children’s author, on a show, happily married, and close to her parents. After she wins an award, things change after a fabricated story is posted about her to increase profits. She tries to let it pass, but the anger and outrage directed at her take on a life of its own. Her reputation is ruined, and there isn’t a shortage of people, including a family member, trying to make money off it. She was a character with whom I felt her pain as her life spun out of control. She quickly found out who had her back and who wanted to see her downfall. I loved the relationship between her and her husband and her parents. This story was a dire warning of what can happen when an editor and journalist decides they can say whatever they want about another human, regardless of the consequences. The sad part was how a portion of her young reader’s parents quickly believed whatever they read about Emmie, and from there, it spiraled out of control. A quick read that I couldn’t put and can easily recommend.

Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance

By Elizabeth Gauffreau

A beautiful collection of family history that Ms. Gauffreau paired personal photographs with a tanka poem to bring history to life. “Grief Songs” is a tribute to the author’s parents and brother and their life together. It reads like a memoir that vividly transports the reader to the past through images and words. It is a quick and moving read that shares moments in time. This is a compelling reminder that even though we lose our loved ones, our journey with them is never forgotten. I can easily recommend this book to those who enjoy poetry and memoirs.

 

Sorrowful Soul: Book 3 in the Soul Poetry Series

By Harmony Kent

I have read and enjoyed the first two books in this series. I was looking forward to reading this collection, yet I worried it would be a heavy read. Instead of heavy, it was powerful. The free verse poetry told a story with vivid images and emotions that explored loss. Arranged by the seven stages of grief, the words painted a picture of the expected feelings during the process. All of us face a loss at some point in our lives, leaving us to deal with it in our own way. This book lets us know it’s okay to be in denial, sad, or angry at a situation out of our control. In the end, hope peeked through, offering a new road to take once we journey through our grief and hopelessness. For those who can’t see that light, Ms. Kent offered some valuable information for those who might need someone to talk to. This is a must-read for those who love emotional poetry that provides understanding and healing.

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!

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

September Book Reviews! @sgc58 @JacqBiggar #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #mustread

The Sister Pact: Home is Where The Heart is

by Jacquie Biggar

Holly has been ill and came home for the holidays after eight years away. It was time to heal old wounds between Holly and her younger sister, Susan, who stole Holly’s boyfriend, Steven, away and married him. What Holly comes home to seems broken on many levels, not only between her sister but her mother and father. Thrown into this dysfunctional mix is not only the man Holly lost, Steven but his brother, Levi, who she slept with at her sister’s wedding. Information is gently rolled out as relationships clash and communication is limited. There’s a lot of pain and hurt that needs to be healed. Levi was my favorite character with his patience and long-time quiet devotion to Holly. Their fun moments at the beach highlighted what it could be if Holly could get past her fears and past. When Susan needs her help, Holly is there for her. I love the message that no matter what happens, the family will survive and eventually pull together, no matter how long it takes. What a beautiful, well-written reminder of what is important in life, not only finding a soul mate but healing a family, too. I can highly recommend this story.

Dr. Metifunger’s Transdimensional Veterinary Clinic

by Dennis Strubbe

I picked up “Dr. Metifunger’s Transdimensional Veterinary Clinic” after seeing a review that captured my attention and curiosity. A book that offers interdimensional traveling, animals, a mystery, and some romance all mixed with humor—how could I pass that up? I wasn’t disappointed in this unique tale. Dr. Mabel Sassani is offered a job in Florida after having issues in California and having her license suspended. What Mabel found on day one was a disappearing dog, and oh, the clinic was in several dimensions. I love the animals she treats that are unlike anything Mabel has treated in her dimension, and the techs, Sandy, are a lot of fun. There is the silent partner, Karen, who seems to have given Mabel a break, but might be a criminal. Then there’s the handsome Bryce, who is there when Mabel needs help. Mabel is determined to figure this out no matter what world she must do it in, and Bryce becomes the person to do that with. Throwing Dr. Metifunger’s overbearing parents into this mix made for a fun read. A well-written adventure with entertaining characters in and outside of our dimension.

Just an Odd Job Girl

by Sally Cronin

This is a fun read told through the eyes of a recently divorced middle-aged woman, Imogen. She believes she has a perfect life; her kids have moved out, and she has her dream house, but her husband isn’t on the same page. Out of the blue, Imogen is presented with a divorce because a younger woman, who was humorously labeled a “fast-tracker” has replaced her. Her soon-to-be ex-husband offers Imogen a smaller house. She retreats into this home, comforting herself with food. Finally, she concludes it’s time to work. This is where she goes to her first job interview in years and meets a kind man who asks her to tell him about all the jobs she’s ever had. This journey to her past is not only fascinating, and many times hilarious, but opened her eyes to the person she used to be. She gets through part of her life and then is encouraged to keep reminiscing. There are so many parts that had me laughing out loud, like when she got ready for this job interview or visited the hairdresser. As I was reading, it felt like Imogen was sitting next to me telling her story. “Just an Odd Job Girl” dove into a woman’s journey where she found her strength and perhaps another chance at love. I was completely invested in Imogen’s outcome. I can highly recommend this book.

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:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!

May Book Reviews Part 2! @BalroopShado @stacitroilo #writingcommunity #whattoread #bookreviews #indieauthors #goodbooks

Pride and Fall

by Staci Troilo

“Pride and Fall” is the third book in the Cathedral Lake Series and follows what happens to Faith and her family, after “Out and About.” Faith Keller has PTSD after losing a sister and being kidnapped. The story immediately starts fast with an event where Faith is thrown into danger. She can barely push her panic and anxiety aside to help those who need help. Her being there, and what is found, puts her on the radar of local cop Carter Emerson, who is determined to figure out what is going on—even at her expense. Wanting to find the truth, he doesn’t listen to the warnings to back off from his friend and co-worker. I was completely sympathetic to Faith, but wished she had reached out for help and advice when she needed it. Carter took me a while to warm up to, especially after knowing what Faith and her family had been through between death and past accusations. A couple of times, I wished he would stop looking into the Keller family, too. He was a well-rounded character that allowed me to feel more than one thing about him. Faith was a victim and someone who needed to grow and heal. The dogs had my heart, especially Carter’s K-9 partner, Max. I may have been able to pick out who not to trust, but not for what I thought. A fast-paced thriller with a strong family dynamic that was very hard to stop reading. I can highly recommend this story and the entire series!


Out and About (The Cathedral Lake Series Book 2)

by Staci Troilo

“Out and About” starts a few years after “Cross and Type” ended. Although Jensen is grown up, he unwillingly returns home at his domineering father’s request. Father and son immediately clash when the two find it hard to communicate. I already had a soft spot for the Keller family because of what they went through losing a daughter/sister and wasn’t sure how I felt about the new family introduced, the Perishes. The one Perish I was rooting for was Bella. She also has an overbearing father and is always trying to please him. Both families are flawed and real with miscommunication, pride, and love. There is a chance meeting between Jensen and Bella at Cathedral Lake that begins a friendship. I love how much Jensen and Bella have in common, including the stubbornness of the fathers. Their differences in their strengths make them a compelling connection. I like how they ended up on opposite sides at one point—or Wade—the man responsible for Jensen’s sister’s death. Both Bella and Jensen’s curiosity about what is going on behind his early release from prison, how they are dealing with their family, and personal issues make this a page-turner. I’m thoroughly enjoying The Cathedral Lake Series and jumping right into book three.


Hues Of Hope: Selected Poetry

by Balroop Singh

“Hues of Hope” is a beautiful collection of poems that examines the hope in life. There are so many wonderful poems that it is hard to pick favorites, but I always connect the most with nature poems. Although all the poetry brought vivid images to me as I read them, here are some examples of the words that moved me. In the poem HOW FRAGILE IS LIFE! I could easily relate since I live where fire danger is very serious: “When you watch helplessly/Mother Nature wreaking havoc/Holding your heart in smithereens/You think of those who couldn’t make it/Reduced to bones and ashes within seconds.” MAGIC captured my heart: “I’ve never believed in magic/Yet I look for it everywhere/In the sunshine that lights/Crevices within me.” A TOUCH offers pure hope: “Her magical, dewy carpet/Carries calm whispers/Her Lilting leaves remind me/Of songs that we sang together.” If you enjoy poetry, as I do, you don’t want to miss this collection. I can easily recommend it!


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

UPDATES: I have been working hard re-releasing my Angel & Evildwel books with new covers, and I tidied them up just a bit. Not a big edit, though, just fixing a few things that bothered me. The first two are done, and I will work on the third book this week. I will post a link to them all when I’m done. I’ve been sharing them on Twitter, though.

During this time, I got my current book to my editor. A Voice in the Silence is looking to have a mid-June release date. So, after I finish re-releasing this week, I will be getting ready to release! Whew 🙂 Plus, I helped my daughter format her book, editing is not my skill set, so I wasn’t involved in that part of it, but I did get a beta read in.

I will have more information on next week’s blog as I start making plans for it; I might skip the pre-order this time and do a release and tour. Stay tuned. I’m planning around a vacation too.

I will be sharing my new cover in two weeks! It’s been ready for a while, so that is is something I can commit to 😉

I try to stop by and visit everyone, but I’ve been on the tired side lately. Hopefully, I will be back to my old schedule once I’m through this.

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