May Book Reviews! #BFRandall #ElizabethGauffreau #RobbieCheadle #jacquimurray #stacitroilo #TeaganRiordainGeneviene #sarahpenner #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Welcome to my May book reviews! These are four and five-star reads from April.

Three Gates to Hell: Hell’s Detours Can Lead to Heavenly Destinations

“Three Gates to Hell” was a hard book to put down. It is a Christian suspense story set in the Bay Area, which caught my attention as I was born and raised there. Bobby is a prison chaplain in San Quentin who has received a request that he didn’t like. The story flashes back in his time in Vietnam to his career in the Oakland Police Department, and his family life. The little details made it feel like it was a real story being told, not fiction. Bobby is a devoted family man and a hardened cop with a heart. The gritty story weaves his progression to faith, creating a character I rooted for. A well-written faith-based novel I can highly recommend!

Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures

By DL Mullan, Barbara Harris Leonhard, Jude Kirya Itakali, Ivor Steven, Robbie Cheadle, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Gwen M. Plano, Elizabeth Gauffreau, David Bogomolny, Dawn Pasturino, Maggie Watson, Colleen M. Chesebro

I have enjoyed the Poetry Treasures collections and was eager to read this one. As always, I found a gifted group of international poets. I appreciate how it is set up with the author’s background and then the poetry. There’s symbolic and free-verse poetry with various topics and beautiful images to accompany them. I encountered both familiar and new poets, and each one of them pulled me with their words. A perfect book for a quiet afternoon or to wind down before you go to sleep. I can highly recommend this to any poetry lovers.

Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna

By Robbie Cheadle

This book, “Burning Butterflies”, offers insight into Southern Africa with stunning art, photos, and poetry. The paintings are stunning, and the personal pictures allowed me to immerse myself in a place I’ve never been. The words, though, not only entertained but educated me about animals I’ve only seen in the zoo. Plus, Ms. Cheadle followed up poems with additional details which I appreciated. I don’t want to pick a favorite poem because I felt like they worked together to tell a story. Worry is expressed for survival for some and how others survive. Plus, there’s a focus on the environment and what grows and blooms there. I can highly recommend this fantastic collection for those who not only care about our planet but love poetry, art, and nature.

Badlands (Savage Land #2)

By Jacqui Murray

The story continues as the different groups escape the volcano’s devastation. Yu’ung leaves her tribe in the hands of B’o as she accompanies the Old One to the mountain clan along with their proto-wolf. This allows the story to be told through more than one point of view and tribes as Yu’ung runs into issues that set them back. Despite the destruction of their environment, there persists a lack of trust among different tribes and species, but it also creates an opportunity for individuals who typically wouldn’t cooperate to do so. Having read the other series and the first book, I was eager to see what happened next. This story didn’t disappoint and had some twists and heart-stopping moments. The growth of Yu’ung into a strong leader is great to watch, and I have a soft spot for the wolves. Character integration feels seamless, yet identifying trustworthy individuals remains difficult. The details though are what draw me in and I feel like I understand as best I can the life our ancestors led. I can’t wait for the third book to see how the journey goes. I can highly recommend this, and it can be read as a standalone, but I’ve enjoyed reading it from the beginning and getting to know the characters better.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break

By Staci Troilo

“Weeping Boughs Don’t Break” is a family drama that focuses on a woman’s journey to independence, despite everything seeming against her. Claudia’s unexpected divorce is five years behind her. After suffering years of mental abuse and her husband’s cheating, she still lives in the house that carries all those memories, and all the debt. When her now-married ex-husband collapses, she gets a call from her children. They need her. So, as a good mother and a person who puts everyone in front of her, she goes to support them. But instead of giving that support, she finds out she’s responsible for making medical decisions for her ex. His current wife leaves unwilling to care for a sick man. Although Claudia reluctantly agrees to help because of her in-laws and kids, it takes a toll on her and reopens old wounds. The details of her Italian family and their faith added a special level to an already compelling situation. Plus, during all of this, she meets a kind, handsome man who befriends her, just when she needed it. A well-written Christian drama that I found hard to put down and can easily recommend!

The Conjurer’s Wife

By Sarah Penner

A young woman named Olivia is the wife of a famous magician in 1820s Venice. Suffering from amnesia after an accident, she helps her husband on stage, although she has no idea how he does his tricks. The husband appears to use her as a prop, but she is slowly rebelling. When one of their acts produces a fox, she immediately takes charge of it. Her care for the little fox leads her to search places she hasn’t been before. It’s here she discovers a secret. My theories regarding her fate were almost correct, but the truth still surprised me. A short story with an engaging historical setting and fantasy for those who like a bit of mystery, and a twist.

The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: a Cornelis Drebbel Adventure

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

“The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers” was my introduction to Ms. Geneviene a few years ago on her blog, part of a weekly series. So, it was fun to revisit the story and read it in a couple of sittings. Felicity is a Victorian woman who refuses to wear the painful corsets with her gowns, but is more comfortable in her trousers. She travels with an alchemist, Cornelius, who isn’t exactly alive. Felicity comes across a young girl, Copper, who needs their help as an orphanage is coming to collect her, with her father missing. Plus, it isn’t only the orphanage that’s interested, including some unusual chimpanzees. Because of the circumstances, Felicity and Cornelius are left with only one option: keep Copper safe. Their search for Copper’s father drives the plot, featuring harmonic tuners, a purple world, villains, and an unusual green fairy. Steampunk and fantasy elements spring to life through vivid settings. An imaginative story that not only kept me entertained but also invested me in Copper, Felicity, and Cornelius’s outcome. I can easily recommend it to those who love an enjoyable steampunk fantasy.

Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge, which is a week late due to my vacation. Will update soon on that!

Embrace your inner child by reading and reviewing a good book! D. L. Finn (Denise)

Creative Perspective Challenge Two: Links and Haibun! #jansikes #gwenplano #yvettecalleiro #sandracox #writingcommunity #flashfiction #poetry #haibun #creativeperspectivechallenge

Hi!

It’s been another fantastic week full of amazing writing. I had fun writing a longish haibun, which is below.

If you haven’t seen these posts I highly recommend visiting.

Gwen Plano: LINK

Sandra Cox: LINK

Yvette Calleiro: LINK

Jan Sikes: LINK

Robbie Cheadle: LINK

Sue Wickstead via D.L. Finn Blog: LINK

Fear’s Plague (522 words)

It was the 326th day of the green fog that appeared the same day she was prepared to declare war on their rival kingdom. Queen Anna stepped into the icy mist to greet another day, as she had every morning. Her people hid inside their homes, fearful of the cold mist, but she couldn’t. It was her duty to protect them, but how? The sun nor moon hadn’t been seen in either night or day. Only the clock ruled now.

The strange phenomena delayed their attack until one day no one had it in them to fight. Hate turned into fear, and that ruled them now. The scouts she had sent out never returned. Anna worried they were the only ones left in this cold, cruel world shrouded by this heavy green death. No weapons, prayers, or even magic had altered their predicament.

Their food supply was limited after their pigs, cows, chickens, and goats lay down and never got up again. Most forest animals did the same. No crops would grow, no flowers bloomed, and trees were frozen in their winter state. Wombs barren. Fear ruled the land, even the criminals cowered behind closed drapes.

Anna stood alone on the old stone bridge, breathing in the heavy air and watching a flock of vultures. Surviving the destruction, they, like her people, remained.

“How can we fight the very air we breathe?” She wrapped her arms around her thin body.

Her head bowed. Exhaustion filled her soul every night when she tried to sleep. Would she wake up? Did she want to? Giving in, letting death claim her, would be simple. Just lay down, following the example of the animals and her subjects, and surrender.

“Surrender to what?”

She clung to that unanswered question. It had kept her going.

The bird circled and dove into the forest. A wave of goosebumps, prickling and crawling, spread across her arms. It was time to get out of the fog, but how long would the castle and homes provide safe shelter? Her skin itched and her eyes watered. Still, her feet remained planted on the bridge her grandfather had built. Hopelessness threatened to overtake her when the song her mother used to sing to her as a child, filled her heart. Ignoring the warnings she needed to get back inside, she sang. Low at first, but her voice strengthened and grew.

“Bless the forests with flourishing flowers

Rainbows, butterflies & waterfalls’ powers

With gratitude and love overflowing,

Nature’s sacred cedar grove is glowing…”

Anna’s face warmed like the summer sun was shining on it. The sweet perfume of her rose garden filled her senses. And for a brief second, a beam of sunlight reflected off the river. Then it vanished, and the song became hollow, echoing across the raven.

With a slight spring to her step, she hurried across the bridge to the safety of the castle. Queen Anna knew in her heart what needed to be done. It will take everyone and her childhood song to push away the hate.

voices blend in love

sing a song of gratitude.

healing will begin

NOTE: Watch for newsletter this week if you are subscribed.

Next Challenge March 11th!

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Summer Edition! @sgc58 @gmplano @JacqBiggar #writingcommunity #recommendedreading

Hello!

Happy Summer (or winter)! Here, the temperatures have risen quickly. Heaters are quiet, air conditioners are humming and shorts replace sweatpants. I enjoy leisurely lake swims and nights under the stars. It’s also the perfect time to lounge in the shade and read a good book.

You have seen my reviews before for these books, but they were SO good I thought they deserved a bit more attention. When you read a good book that changes you in big or small ways, you aren’t the same after reading it.

So here are my top summer reading recommendations with their blurbs in no particular order.

Telling Sonny: A Novel

by Elizabeth Gauffreau

BLURB

Beautifully Written, Heartbreaking Portrayal of Innocence Lost and the Love of Family

Telling Sonny is a coming-of-age novel set in the 1920s, when much of vaudeville had devolved into the Small Time. Not so for Faby Gauthier, a naïve girl from the small village of Enosburg Falls, Vermont. For Faby, the annual vaudeville show that comes to the village is worthy of the Great White Way itself.

Pretty and vivacious, Faby catches the eye of Slim White, America’s self-proclaimed Favorite Hoofer. She spends time with him during the week of the show’s run in hopes of learning first-hand how it feels to perform on the vaudeville stage.

On Slim White’s last night in the village, seduction would appear inevitable, and Faby succumbs. Her desire to forget her lapse in judgment is not to be, however. In a misguided to attempt to do the right thing, Slim White marries Faby on a whim and takes her with him on the vaudeville circuit. Little does she know that in a few short months, she will learn the true meaning of Small Time, setting her life on a path she never imagined.

Finding Me: An Estranged Sisters New Adult Romance Novel (The Defiant Sisters Duet Book 2)

by Jacquie Biggar

BLURB

A character-driven novel spun around a big fat knot of repressed feelings, misunderstandings, and emotional turmoil.
Amazon ReviewerIzzyMy life is not like I dreamed it would be. I had the foolish fantasy of finishing high school, going to college, making something of myself- maybe even becoming famous.
Instead, I’m the infamous kid of the father who killed himself in the family’s backyard.
How’s that for a legacy?Renée
I came home for my mother’s funeral, but I’m staying to mend bridges with my sister. We have another chance, and whatever it takes, we need to come together as a family or live the rest of our lives knowing we let our brother down.
They say pride goes before a fall, but it doesn’t tell us how to avoid the scrapes along the way.

Finding Me 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.

The Soul Whisperer’s Decision

by Gwen M. Plano

BLURB

Sarah Jameson, a nurse at County Central Hospital, survives an accident that kills her two young children. While comatose, she travels into the heavenly realm where she visits with her precious little ones. She is given a choice – return to her husband, Jack, or remain with her children in their celestial home.

Jack was not in the fated automobile. Though he heard the crash and ran to help, there was nothing he could do. He suffers the loss of his children, fears the potential demise of his wife, and wonders about his own sanity. His struggle with PTSD from his military years has returned and at times, he cannot distinguish between the present and the past.

An accident tragically changed the lives of this young family, but out of sorrow emerges unexpected blessings.

Variety is the Spice of Life: A blend of poetry and prose

by Sally Cronin

BLURB

Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.

The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.

The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.

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

February Book Reviews! @JoyYorkAuthor @gmplano @SueColetta1 @Sandra_Cox #bookreviews #mustreads #writingcommunity #whattoread

Here are the books I read and reviewed in January that got four stars and up:

Tracking Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #7)

By Sue Coletta

Although I have read the Mayhem Series out of order and enjoyed the journey, I’m glad to be caught up and fully understand Shawnee’s growth and change. Throughout the journey, I have gained an education about not just Native American culture and history, but also about wildlife and our connection to it. Here, Shawnee, Mr. Mayhem, and Jacy Lee head to Alaska to save the polar bears. I knew little about polar bears other than they appear white and their territory is shrinking, so all the extra details fascinated me. Set in Alaska, a place that has always called me, only made the story more intriguing. Shawnee is still in training under Mr. Mayhem in his cabin with her grandfather and the crows. The crows always add humor, especially Poe. Their personalities as just as strong as their human counterparts. There are always surprise twists that make this a page-turner, as Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee run toward the danger instead of away from it. When they pretend to be man and wife to gather information, it can lead to some humorous moments. The corporation that makes a living from illegal animal trafficking and hunts is after Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee, too. Another great story where saving animals is not only the goal but a way of life. I can highly recommend “Tracking Mayhem.”

Unnatural Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #5)

By Sue Coletta

Shawnee has been staying with her grandfather and Mr. Mayhem. She is not only learning the ways of her grandfather, but the world. I love how Shawnee’s eyes are opened by not only her kind grandfather but someone who wanted to kill her in the past, Mr. Mayhem. While being taught the ways of her culture, Shawnee and Mr. Mayhem uncover that someone intends to disrupt their peace and nature. Skilled trophy hunters set their sights on crows, and this puts Poe and the others in danger. Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee team up to put a stop to this kill and find more than they bargained for. It’s fun seeing the world through Shawnee’s eyes as she navigates an expensive meal, moves dead bodies, or takes part in a ceremony. She is strong and open to a world most don’t experience while looking for her path. She has a job and boyfriend but is also drawn into helping save the animals and appreciates her grandfather’s wisdom as an elder and medicine man. Then there’s the relationship between her and Poe, and their intense dislike for each other that adds humor. I’ve read this series out of order and am glad to have all my questions answered. My favorite part has been Shawnee’s growth and when she embraces her culture, but it’s the crows and animals that hold my heart as they become more of a part of this series. This is a story I can easily recommend.

Protective Instinct

By Joy York

Morgan is supposed to go on vacation with her best friend at the family lake house. Instead, Morgan’s friend cancels, and she discovers she will stay in the caretaker’s cabin since the house has been rented out. When Morgan has issues, she seeks help from the guest in the house. Bash has been whisked away to escape a request by an unsavory character. He isn’t happy to find someone else is sharing his space but reluctantly agrees to help her. At first, I thought this was going to be a couple stuck together in a house who don’t get along but end up falling in love. It doesn’t take long before trouble knocks and they find themselves on the run. What they soon find out is there may be more trouble following them than expected. I love the strength of Morgan and Bash finally grew on me as his character progressed. Soon, I was not only rooting for them to survive but also giving into their affections. There were a couple of unexpected twists, which I always appreciate, especially at the end. Morgan had some surprising skills, and the things she could drive enamored me. Bonded together in survival mode, both of their pasts come into play. An exciting page-turner that captured my attention from the first escape. I can easily recommend “Protective Instinct.”

The Soul Whisperer’s Decision

By Gwen M. Plano

Sarah has it all. A happy marriage, a job she loves, and two beautiful children. While she is basking in her good blessings, the unthinkable happens: a drunk driver strikes her car. Everything changes at that moment when her two children die, and she fights for her life. While in a coma for two weeks, her husband struggles with his mental health and desire to live thinking his wife is going to be taken away too. His PTSD blends his past war experiences with his current grief. It is heartbreaking. I felt for this family whose happiness was ripped away by another’s actions. Having experienced an afterlife moment as a teen, I was looking forward to reading this family’s story. I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Plano handled the afterlife skillfully and compassionately. She showed the reader the peace I remember vividly to this day. To lose so much yet come out stronger is a testament to what faith and love offer. This story is a beautiful tribute to that and the peace our loved ones experience once they leave us. A fast read I couldn’t put down as it travels through dark times and climbs back into the light. I can easily recommend this faith-based story that reminds us there is more than we can see.

Silent Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #3)

By Sue Coletta

Already a fan of The Mayhem Series, I’m now going back and reading the books I’ve missed. Silent Mayhem took everything up a huge notch. Shawnee receives a feather and a warning that her life is in danger. The problem she now faces is whether she can trust a serial killer who had wanted her dead in the past. Mixed into this is Native American history and lore that added a new level to an already exciting story unfolding. I love Shawnee’s strength and how she steps up for those she loves. But I think it is the tender relationship between Mr. Mayhem and his wife that makes him different from most serial killers. This tugs at my heart, even with his cruel side. There are crows too who seem to have it in for Shawnee, especially Poe. It’s Skinwalkers that might be the biggest danger to Shawnee in the middle of serial killers, a hidden past and scattered decapitated bodies. Although the ending offered some insight, Shawnee wasn’t safe yet. I immediately started reading book four. A book and series I can easily recommend.

I Am Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #4)

By Sue Coletta

I have read this Mayhem Series out of order and started it more toward the end or middle. I had no problem understanding and being drawn into Shawnee’s world, but I wanted to go back and see how it all started. This book is the one I have been eagerly anticipating, and it lived up to my expectations. Shawnee is now being hunted by Mr. Mayhem and everyone she loves is a target. I was on the edge of my seat as she tried to defend herself and make sense of a confused situation. Trying to stay alive is only part of this story, as Shawnee learns more about herself, too. Even knowing what has already happened, events continually surprised me. There was no way I could predict how this would all play out. The story also introduces a favorite character who captivates me. Mixed into the thrilling layers are crows with grudges, a serial killer, a Skinwalker, a worried boyfriend, a missing best friend, and the truth about Shawnee’s family. A definite page-turner that I can highly recommend.

Sheriff Tyree (2^nd in Keeper Series)

By Sandra Cox

I loved the first book “Keeper Tyree” and was eager to continue his journey. Keeper Tyree was a respected bounty hunter, but after he fell in love, he settled down and became sheriff of El Dorado. All was going well for his wife, daughter, and life. Unfortunately, someone from his past wanted justice and it involved his family. Keeper has become a favorite character of mine. He is tough, respected, and loves his family and friends deeply. His wife matches his strength and love of family, which I admire. They are an amazing couple that is put to the test in this story. I adore not only the town and its people but how well Ms. Cox brings the western setting to life. It makes me care about these wonderful characters as I try to imagine how it would have been to have lived with them. A young girl, Allie, and a small cat, Shivers, captured my heart, and a bit of light always shines when evil mixes into their world. It’s the little things that become important, like crossing a river or finding shelter in a storm, but the driving reason behind everything is love. That is unexpected for such a strong character as the sheriff. I hope there are more stories to come, and I highly recommend this book!

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

New Release! “The Soul Whisperer’s Decision” by Gwen Plano @gmplano #newrelease #mustread #writingcommunity

I am so excited to have fellow author and friend, Gwen Plano, here today to celebrate the release of her latest, The Soul Whisperer’s Decision. It was one I couldn’t put down and read in one evening. Here is my review: LINK

BLURB:

An accident tragically changed the lives of this young family, but out of sorrow emerges unexpected blessings.

BACKSTORY:

I have a special interest in the Near-Death Experience phenomenon. Since the 1980s, I’ve read original research of accounts, and I’ve also read numerous books by survivors. Though I’ve not experienced an NDE, I’ve had several inexplicable experiences of a loving presence at times of great duress.

For ten years, 2002 – 2012, I was an administrator at a college near Camp Pendleton in California. I worked directly with the Marine veterans and, to a lesser degree, veterans from the other branches of the military. I quickly discovered that almost all the Marines suffered PTSD and/or physical injuries from their service in Iraq or Afghanistan. I became their advocate and tried to provide a ‘safe’ place for the veterans to meet, hang out, and process. To this day, my experience with the veterans remains the highlight of my thirty years in Higher Education.

When I wrote The Soul Whisperer’s Decision, I sought to illuminate the struggles of those who have experienced extreme violence. And, as well, I tried to show the healing power of love. None of us can erase our past or another’s, but by our choices, we can carve a hopeful future for ourselves and others.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://bit.ly/488Ziay

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/48aWmdu

BLOG: www.gwenplano.com ( https://bit.ly/48AKRvE )

New Release! The Gift by @gmplano Harbor Pointe Series Book 2 #harborpointeseries #writingcommunity #whattoread

Yay! Tomorrow is the release day for the second book of the Harbor Pointe Series. If you haven’t picked up your copy there is still time. I am sharing the blurb and my review here today.

The Gift: Harbor Pointe Series Book 2
By Gwen M. Plano

BLURB

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.
In an innocent 1958 American suburb, Shelly doesn’t know the power of a kiss. Or how it will change her entire life.
At sixteen years old, she falls in love with a young man. One night—just one night—they go too far. Months later, pregnant and shamed, Shelly’s parents banish her.
Alone and heavily pregnant, circumstances force Shelly to cross the country in an old pickup.
A mistaken turn leaves her lost in a forest amidst a severe snow storm and in labor.
In the dark of night. Shelly must get help for her new-born baby before they both perish. A light in the distance gives her the slimmest glimmer of hope.
After Shelly wraps the infant in her father’s old jacket, she trudges through the snow to a lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Snow half buries the squat stone building.
Will Shelly find shelter, or is it the beginning of the end?

MY REVIEW
“The Gift” is set in 1958 when the one mistake of a sixteen-year-old girl makes her family not only turn their back on her but send her away. Shelly is very pregnant and scared to drive alone across the United States to stay with a relative until she has the baby. Almost at her destination, she runs out of gas in a snowstorm. She goes into labor and is forced to deliver her baby. If they stay in the old truck, they will perish, so she bundles up the baby and tries to find help. She sees a light that she hopes means help and heads towards it. I was ashamed of Shelly’s parents for sending her off like they did with an old unreliable vehicle and limited funds. Shelly was strong, though, when she needed to be. And the father who was away at college with no idea of her condition came back home and began his search for her. It’s a beautifully told drama full of guilt, loss, regret—and love. I was completely invested in Shelly, the baby, and their survival. A cruel set of events for a teen also offered hope, which made this an inspirational read that I can highly recommend!

Amazon US Amazon UK

AUTHOR BIO

Gwen M. Plano, aka Gwendolyn M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen’s academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband.
Gwen’s first book is an acclaimed memoir, Letting Go into Perfect Love. Her second book, The Contract between heaven and earth, is a thriller fiction novel, co-authored by John W. Howell. It has received multiple awards and is an Amazon Best Seller. The Choice, the unexpected heroes is the sequel to The Contract. It is also a thriller, involving the attempt of an unfriendly nation to take over the world. The third book in the series, The Culmination, a new beginning is an action-packed military thriller that spans the globe and involves multiple Heads of State and the threat of World War III. Only love can change the fate of humanity.
When Gwen is not writing, she’s often in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, where she finds inspiration.

Note:
If you are subcribed to my newsletter it will go out the end of this week.

Next week is Finn’s Forest #7.

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

Stop by and say hi! “Deep in the Forest Where the Poetry Blooms!” @gmplano #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #newrelease #poetrycollection

Hi,
Today I’m over celebrating release day with Gwen Plano on her beautiful blog! We’d love for you to stop by and say hello.

LINK

GWEN PLANO AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

March Book Reviews Part 4! @gmplano @A_Varga_Author @stacitroilo@JoanHallWrites @Chelepie @PCZick #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter

Redemption: A Father’s Fatal Decision

By Gwendolyn M. Plano

“Redemption” is a fast-paced thriller that hooked me from the first page. Lisa came home to visit her parents. She had a bad feeling when the doorbell rang, but she couldn’t stop what happened next. With her father dead, her mother fighting for her life, and her brother, Trace, in another country, she struggles to figure out what happened. Lisa quickly realizes she needs to be careful whom she trusts because her world is turned upside down as the truth slowly unravels. Luckily, her brother and his friend, Ryan, come to her aid. I love how they are there for each other, while Lisa’s strength, love of family, and intelligence are inspiring. She bravely stands by her mother while trying to understand her father. I found this book hard to put down with all the twists weaved into a family’s story. The research put into this mystery made it even more chilling because of the possibility that it could happen. The themes of redemption and forgiveness tugged at my heart, and I highly recommend this suspenseful family drama.

Jump In Time #2

The Celtic Deception

By Andrew Varga

“The Celtic Deception” is a fun YA read that blends history and fantasy. I haven’t read the first book, but I found this story easy to follow. Seventeen-year-old time jumper, Dan, comes home to an unwelcomed visitor who was responsible for his father being in a coma. I was immediately drawn into the story. Although the visitor had taken something that seemed so important, Dan was carefully trained by his father and was prepared for that. Soon, Dan and his jumping partner, Samantha, need to make a jump to fix history. I loved the time they went into 60 CE when Romans dominated, and Celts were on the run or fighting back. The relationships they developed in the Celt tribe had me rooting for them, even against all odds and history. A read meant for teens, but adults can appreciate it too. I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of the reality of a historical moment and time-traveling teens trying to survive while not changing the past that would affect the future.

Bright Lights and Candle Glow

By Staci Troilo, Michele Jones, Pamela Foster, Jan Morrill, Dave Kwiecinski, Joan Hall, P.C. Zick, and Grace L. Reilly

“Bright Lights and Candle Glow” is a beautiful holiday collection of eight short stories. The tales transport the reader into many places, including the Civil War or a ranch in Montana. Each story was a satisfying read for the holidays or any time of the year, and I won’t be picking any favorites. There were not only some fantastic twists I didn’t expect but vivid settings that pulled me right in. I can easily recommend this group of well-told holiday stories for Christmas and Yule reading.

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:

I will be quiet on social media and blog visits this week. I’m going to take a bit of me-time before I get busy with my upcoming release and blog tour. Have a great week xo

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

2023 Spring Edition of “Books That Changed Me!” @AnnalisaCrawf @gmplano @supermegawoman #topreading #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #readersoffacebook

Welcome spring! I am ready to enjoy the return of the birds, flowers, and the landscape bursting with life. It’s my favorite time of year, along with fall. We had quite a winter here. Some epic and sometimes overwhelming storms finally ended our three-year drought—at least in our area.

Time to enjoy nice spring hikes along the river, take Harley rides, and read some great books! Stories and poetry can touch us in many different ways and change us. You have already seen these books reviewed here on my blog. Since I have read some fantastic books lately, more of those will be making their way here in other seasons. Today these are the book revisiting with their blurbs as some of my top reads.

Redemption: A Father’s Fatal Decision

By Gwendolyn M. Plano

Family secrets can be deadly. When Lisa visits her parents one fateful Saturday morning, she hugs her father and takes her suitcase to her childhood bedroom. The doorbell rings, and one minute later her father lies dead on the floor—three bullets to the chest. The death of Eric Holmes sends shockwaves throughout the quiet neighborhood. But for the Holmes family, it is devastating.
In this fast-paced psychological thriller, Lisa and her brother embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their father’s murder. The journey takes them into a secret world where nothing is as it seems. Once the puzzle pieces begin to coalesce, they realize that their father had multiple lives. As the facts unravel, the siblings discover the true meaning of Redemption.

The Clock in My Mother’s House and other stories

By Annalisa Crawford

Life can change in an instant, but that’s not always a bad thing.

A hotel explodes leaving staff and guests in peril; a woman retrieves an old clock from the attic with disturbing consequences; one man leaves heart break behind him, and another arrives to bring adventure.

In this haunting collection, Annalisa Crawford creates characters who will charm, captivate, and intrigue you.

Annalisa’s stories have featured in Fairlight Shorts, Fictive Dream, and Reflex Fiction; and have been short- and longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, the Bath Short Story Award, Globe Soup, and more.

The Bubble Reputation

By Alex Craigie

If you want to destroy someone’s reputation, social media provides the perfect tool.

Emmie Hobson, children’s author and TV presenter, is riding high on a wave of popularity when an unscrupulous newspaper editor, desperate for a scoop, brings Emmie’s world crashing down.

Social media picks up the baton and a terrifying backlash of hate and abuse is unleashed. Threats are made and there are those, inflamed by the rhetoric, prepared to take the law into their own hands.

For the young at heart and middle grade readers:

Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral (An Amanda Travels Adventure Book 9)

by Darlene Foster

Amanda explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, while being drawn into the mystery surrounding the destructive fire of Notre Dame cathedral.

Amanda is in love! With Paris – the city of love. She’s in awe of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. While there, she gets to work as a volunteer and stay in a famous book store, along with her bestie, Leah, and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. A dream come true for a book lover like Amanda.

Except, while she’s at the Paris Opera House there is a bomb threat. Then the lights go out during their visit to the Louvre. Worst of all, a devastating fire blazes in Notre Dame. Why does a mysterious man, who claims to be a busker, writer and artist, show up every time something bad happens?

Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, all the time looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic cathedral.

Embrace your inner child by reading a great 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