Here are the books I read in April that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for an Amazon universal link.
Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-WORD STORIES, Folklore and History
“Dreamland” is a collection of hundred-word stories set in Western Romania, which includes Banat, Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania, and more. There are 117 stories that are based on legends and seeped in history. Many stories are followed by a glance into the history behind that passage. I enjoyed how it offered vivid images of the areas, along with the history and people behind it. Some of the book was whimsical, other parts more dire, but it showed the progression of civilization and survival. It’s a unique way to be entertained and educated at the same time. There are lots of photos included that add a visual of the area being written about. This is a fantastic way to learn how the past shaped the future of Romania. I can easily recommend this well-written book!
Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature
By Kaye Lynne Booth, Frank Prem, Colleen M Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle, Andrew McDowell, Patricia Furstenberg, Marcia Meara, Emily Gmitter, Selma Martin, Merril D Smith, and D. L. Finn
A fantastic collection of poetry with a favorite theme of mine, nature. I am familiar with and a fan of many of the authors, but the ones I wasn’t, I am a fan now. All the poets have a different style, but each set produced beautiful imagery and flow. I was going to mark favorites or choose stunning lines, but it was impossible. I liked all of them. This is a shorter review than normal because I offer my praise to all my fellow poets in this anthology. It was an honor to be included with them. If you love poetry and nature, this is a collection you do not want to miss!
The Moonshine Murders: The Jailer’s Daughter Mysteries
By Joy York
Christi and Lily have joined forces again to solve a murder and mystery focused on Lily’s father, who suffered a gunshot wound. They get help from Troy and Jake as the pursuit leads to moonshine and a mysterious university study. I love the setting in the seventies, along with the musical references. It brought back many memories and added great layers to the story. The friendship between Christi and Lily is heartwarming and humorous. They have each other’s backs no matter what mess they or Lily are in. A sweet romance develops for Christi and Jake, while Lily and Troy appear to clash. There are many twists and dangerous situations they find themselves in that make this a page-turner. Who to trust becomes very important. A YA mystery for the young at heart that I can easily recommend.
Savage Mayhem (The Mayhem Series Book 9)
By Sue Coletta
“Savage Mayhem” tidies up the Alaska story in an exciting beginning, but soon it’s time for Mayhem and Shawnee to go to their next mission, Yellowstone. I was excited about the setting because Yellowstone is on the top of my list of places I want to visit. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there with them. Although even in this place of beauty, the Killzme hunt continues. This time the target is the buffalo—Shawnee and Mayhem. There is the history and importance of the buffalo weaved into the story, and feelings that need to be dealt with. Poe and Shawnee’s relationship is still strained, but she protects the bird even with the animosity between them. It’s always fun to see Mayhem and Shawnee playing husband and wife. This time they are planning their fake wedding at the lodge to provide themselves a cover while trying to stop their enemy. The past comes into play though and needs to be dealt with as they try to save the buffalo herd, themselves, and their working relationship. I have been rooting for Shawnee and Mayhem to take the next step, along with a pair of birds who have found each other, too. This is a story of growth, bravery, insight, and brutal justice. I fall in love with the characters more with each book. I look forward to the next journey and can highly recommend this book and series.
Embrace your inner child by opening the pages into amazing worlds! D. L. Finn