Tag: historicalfiction

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Winter Edition! #jansikes #joanhall #stacitrolio #lindabroday #laurenscott #writingcommunity #mustreads #holidayreading

Here is a ten-day early Books That Changed Me: 2024 Winter Edition! If you were looking to put books under your tree, like I do, one of these might be perfect for someone on your list.

I couldn’t narrow it down to just three picks this time. I had many recent favorites, some of which will appear in other seasons.

Here’s a fun fact: This is the second time two talented sisters have been on this winter list together.

These aren’t my reviews but the blurbs for the books. Click on the title for the Amazon purchase link!

Blood Red Dawn: Legends of Madeira Book Two

By Joan Hall

Connected by the past. Torn by the present.

Honorably discharged, former Navy SEAL Connor Hughes returned to Madeira, New Mexico to start the next phase of his life. Now he owns a shooting range and volunteers with a veterans’ support group. He’s even overcome a misunderstanding with his high school sweetheart and has begun to mend those broken fences.

Abbey Lane’s gift of premonition once drove Connor away, and since they’ve reconnected, she’s sworn to not make the same mistake twice. When she learns the tragic tale of a young couple whose happiness was destroyed in the 1870s—a couple with whom she and Connor share uncanny similarities—she fears she may not be able to keep her vow.

Connor’s emotional baggage swamps him with doubts. As he wrestles with past demons, unable to leave the horrors of battle behind, someone bent on revenge emerges to destroy him. Abbey’s gift—a skill he once denied—may be the only clue he has.

And the only way to keep them both safe.

Born for Revenge

By Staci Troilo

Who once was lost now is found. But grace didn’t lead her home.

For the last year, the sinister shadow of unsolved kidnappings has haunted Detectives Holden Walsh and Cabe Paxton. Their cold case turns hot when one of the abductees returns, but her traumatized silence only sparks more questions.

As the detectives unravel a web of deception, they discover depraved horrors spreading further than either imagined. Confronted by secrets and stymied by lies, they finally uncover the truth—though not fast enough.

Another girl is taken.

With their friendship straining under the weight of the case, Walsh and Paxton race to find and stop the ruthless predator, all the while battling an unforgiving clock—and sometimes each other.

The past threatens to repeat itself. Because only some people are born to seek justice.

Others are born for revenge.

A Noble Bargain

By Jan Sikes

A true testament of character, resilience, and the magic of never giving up.
The year is 1948 and folks in the sawmill town of Crossett, Arkansas, work hard and play hard. Oliver Quinn does both. Oliver is the son of Irish immigrants who firmly believe in pursuing the American dream. His deepest desire is to play major league baseball. He only needs one chance to prove himself.

Rose Blaine is living in a nightmare where dreams don’t exist. She’s suffered for years at the hands of her violent moonshiner father and his partner. During a brutal attack, she must fight back or die. The aftermath is devastating.

Fueled by desperation, Rose strikes a life-changing bargain with Oliver. If he’ll take her and her brother to St. Louis, Missouri, she’ll introduce Oliver to her uncle, a baseball legend.

While their journey is fraught with unseen perils, they forge an unbreakable bond and make surprising allies.
When destiny throws them a curve ball, they must find the courage to create a hopeful future out of the ashes of shattered dreams with newfound fortitude.

Wildwood Healer: A Novel

By Linda Broday

Secrets, lies, and danger hide deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas during the Depression of 1930.

For years, Sicily Rossi has tapped into nature’s remedies to try and ease pain and sickness in her small Texas town. With the Depression raging, most of the residents struggle to survive with no money and little food. When the town bully is found dead, rumors run wild and suspicion falls to Sicily who has been helping his tormented wife escape his clutches.

Though threatened and treated like a criminal, the law is slow to put Sicily away on gossip alone. As the stakes climb higher each day, she knows she will need some help if not a miracle.

It is not until the townspeople push back against tyrannical power and take hold of their own fate they see the faint glimpse of a better future. Their tenuous hope is on the line but will they grab hold of a better tomorrow and help Sicily, or will they give up and allow despair to wash over them once again?

Bonus one for the kids!

Cora’s Quest

By Lauren Scott, Chris Mendez (illustrator)

Cora is a curious fawn who loves spending time with her parents. On one beautiful day, they take a stroll deep into the wilderness. They trot along on the trails, and Cora finds other animals fascinating. They skitter and fly around her with joyful purpose. Every unique sound catches her attention, stirring her curiosity to discover just where that sound came from. But suddenly her delightful family day takes a turn that begins to test the courage inside of her…

NOTE: My post tomorrow for the Cookie Exchange will be my last post of the year. Watch for my Newsletter also on the 12th. Then I’ll be on a holiday break until next year.

Embrace your inner child by giving the gift of an amazing story! Happy Holidays 🙂 D. L. Finn

November Book Reviews! @JanSikes3 @frank_prem @LBroday @JillWeatherholt @pokercubster @SLMarchisello #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustread #readersoftwitter

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

A Noble Bargain

By Jan Sikes

I read and loved the first book “Beggar’s Bargain” and was eager to jump into a new story in the series. Oliver Quinn took care of his loving family after his father was killed in a work accident. His dream is to become a professional baseball player. Rose Blaine takes care of her family after losing her mother. The difference between the two is in one home there is love and respect while the other one is full of fear and abuse. When they meet at a local dance, Rose immediately captures Oliver’s attention. A friendship develops as Oliver tries to figure out how to help Rose. When Rose’s home situation reaches a critical point, she and Oliver strike a bargain. He will drive Rose and her brother to their aunt and uncle in St. Louis and they will introduce him to a famous baseball player, her uncle. This is a story of strong contrasts. On one side Oliver’s family is there for each other and they treat each other with kindness whereas Rose’s father and business partner are both cruel and each day it’s a challenge for Rose to survive. Some heavy subjects like abuse and rape were addressed, and Rose’s home situation had me worried. Yet, she had a strength that I could admire that bloomed under some kindhearted help. Oliver’s nonjudgmental nature and willingness to do the right thing, regardless of personal gain, were admirable. It was nice to see characters from the previous story and catch up on their story too. Oliver’s family and Rose and her brothers captured my heart, and I lost sleep not being able to stop reading. This is a story I highly recommend, and think is Ms. Sikes’ best yet.

Pilgrim: Volume 1

by Frank Prem

“Pilgrim: Volume 1” is a thoughtful collection of poems woven together with the word pilgrim. The blurb called “Pilgrim” small wisdoms, but it felt bigger to me as it touched on our journey through life. There are little illustrated feet that creatively guide us to the next poem. A quick but powerful read. Here are only some of the words that touched me: “listen pilgrim/do you hear/the stillness/even the sound/of a cicada/is embraced/in the silence…”—thought sound, “…listen to the sound/of your inner self/when you contemplate/your transformation/you know/this too/is an elemental magic”—elemental alchemy,” and “this is the nature of time/and what is a life/but time/spent/waiting”—natural waiting. These are poems that are meant to be read more than once. I highly recommend this poetry collection!

Wildwood Healer: A Novel

By Linda Broday

Sicily lives alone after losing the only man she loved years before and is the town healer. She gathers herbs and mushrooms to help the local people. She was the closest thing they had to a doctor during the Great Depression. One day, she finds a dog on her doorstep and later finds the young teen who has been hiding in the woods. She takes him in and helps everyone she can including abused wives. I was invested in Sicily and the town from the first page. There were some kind people but also some cruel and corrupt and Sicily had the strength to stand up to them. The story deals with serious issues such as abuse, hunger, mistreatment of children, and corruption, but at its heart, it’s about Sicily’s kindness and determination to do what’s right. I loved the relationship between her and Tate and how she handled a person from her past. The setting was lush, and I could easily picture living in this town during a difficult period in our history when people had so little. But this is where Sicily shone a light and offered solutions instead of despair, making this a hard read to put down. A well-written historical story that captured my heart, I can highly recommend it.

Guarding Her Christmas Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

Hannah Simpson moves to one of my favorite fictional towns, Bluebell, CO. She wants to start over after a tragic loss. Cody Beckett becomes the legal guardian of his best friend’s six-year-old twin girls, McKenzie, and Madison. He gets a call that McKenzie is causing some issues and has to deal with the teacher, Hannah. Although he trains companion dogs, he has no idea what he is doing with the girls. Hannah and Cody have different opinions about how to handle McKenzie. But soon they find themselves thrown together to plan a Christmas festival. The twins are thrilled to have the four of them spend time together, and Hannah is drawn to the dogs in training. I’m happy whenever I visit Bluebell and see old friends. I loved how Cody stepped up by taking the girls, but at the same time didn’t trust himself to raise them. He has a big heart that shines through to the girls and pups. But it’s the slow-burning friendship and attraction between Hannah and Cody that makes this a page-turner. He is patient with Hannah, even not knowing her story and having his fiancé break up with him while Hannah has to deal with her past and loss. Of course, it helps they both have the local grocery store owner looking out for the two of them, along with the girl’s intentions. It’s a heartwarming Christian story that focuses on hope, family, and second chances. I can highly recommend this, especially for reading around the holiday season.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour

By Dawn Pisturino

“Haiku for the Midnight Hour” is a collection of what Ms. Pisturino calls experimental, with a fun twist of darkness. There are seventeen categories, including Home Alone, Creatures in the Night, Fairy Tales, and From Outer Space. I did read it as close to midnight and thoroughly enjoyed it. Here are just a few of my favorites: “ramshackle old house-/ready to fall—hiding ghosts/abandoned spirits”—House, “full moon at midnight/stares boldly at old tombstones/dead come back to life”—Tombstones, “snakes slight through the/grass with eager hunting for/hypnotized victims”—Snakes, “mummy wrappings and/gray ash trail across the floor/unholy wand’ring”—The Mummy, “Cthulhu calling/stretching his tentacles through/space fracturing minds”—Cthulhu, and “moon maidens dancing/under full moon waxing big/pregnant with magic”—Moon Maidens. This is a fantastic poetry collection for Halloween reading, but also for any time of the year. A read I will enjoy more than once and can highly recommend it to poetry lovers.

P.S. I Forgive You

By D.G. Kaye

I read “Conflicted Hearts” and understand what the author grew up with. I could easily relate to an unhealthy childhood and what it requires as an adult to get past it. In “P.S. I Forgive You” Ms. Kaye has cut off communication and contact with her mother to heal and live a better life. But when her mother is dying, a pang of guilt creeps in and another layer of healing comes into play, forgiveness. Whether you do it in person or allow yourself to forgive from a distance, it can heal that pain carried around. This book was a journey to understand her mother while taking care of herself. We all must walk our paths in life and Ms. Kaye found a powerful one that inspired me as a reader and survivor of a damaging childhood. In life, love and liking can be separate truths. We can wish them well but not aspire to be a part of their lives, and we can forgive them to heal ourselves. The author incorporated this wisdom into an interesting reflection on her life and the lessons she learned. I can easily recommend this, especially if you come from a not-so-perfect family too.

Secrets of the Galapagos

By Sharon Marchisello

Giovanna lost her business and fiancé because of a clever con artist. She goes on a cruise with her grandmother to the Galapagos Islands to regroup and perhaps run into the con artist. Giovanna’s relaxing snorkeling trip takes a dark turn when she realizes she has been left behind and the woman she was with is missing. Everyone ignores her inquiries about her new friend and then tragedy hits the cruise ship, and the police become involved. Giovanna is immersed in more than one mystery, with her past coming into the mix. Giovanna is a fun character who is determined to find answers. Her relationship with her grandmother, who has a strong mind adds a lot of depth to the story. But it’s the islands that captured my attention. The setting was beautifully brought to life through the descriptions. I could feel the ocean breeze, see the fish when they snorkeled, and imagine the island’s celebrity turtle, Tio Armando, the passengers were all eager to see. Giovanna’s investigations lead her into danger and an attraction to the local detective. “Secrets of the Galapagos” was an entertaining mystery with a few twists and turns, and an exotic setting that I’d love to visit someday.

Blog Tour Schedule for Miracles and Ghosts

Sandra Cox: November 1st A Perfect Ghostly Christmas

Liz Gauffreau:  November 5th Miracle in ER

John Howell: November 6th A Man and His Cat

Colleen Chesebro: November 7th At the Mall & video

Jacqui Murray: November 12th The Red Truck

Jan Sikes: November 13th Christmas Reunion

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

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Fall Edition! @Sandra_Cox @RobertaEaton17 @YvetteMCalleiro #writingcommunity #mustreadbook #whattoread

Happy belated Fall! (—or Spring!)

It’s back my favorite time of year! The leaves are changing into yellows and reds while the nights are getting cooler. Summer is still trying to hang on but Fall is pushing its way in. I’ve been baking pumpkin and banana bread and thinking about an apple cobbler. My Halloween decorations are up and I’m ready for this season’s walk in the woods.

Another fun autumn thing to do is read a good book. You’ve seen these books reviewed on my blog, but they deserve another look. I’ve included their blurb and link. Happy fall reading.

The Last Pilgrim 

BLURB
This book captures and celebrates the grit and struggle of the Pilgrim women who stepped off the Mayflower in the winter of 1620 to an unknown world – one filled with hardship, danger and death. The Plymouth Colony would not have survived without them.
Mary Allerton Cushman was the last surviving passenger of the Mayflower, dying at age 88 in 1699.
Mary’s life is set against the real background of that time. The Last Pilgrim begins from her father’s point of view – she was, after all, only four when she descended into the cramped and dank living space below deck on the Mayflower – but gradually assumes Mary’s voice, as the colony achieves a foothold in the New England’s rocky soil.
What was a woman’s life like in the Plymouth Colony? The Last Pilgrim will tell you.

Mateo’s Woman 

BLURB
Delilah is dead.
With her demise, everyone should be safe, but something insidious is happening to Mateo’s town and to the woman he loves. People are dying and Blair is changing, taking on mannerisms that are clearly not her own. Becoming a danger to herself and others. He has no idea what is happening to the town’s people but he has an inkling of what is happening to Blair and what he’s thinking just isn’t possible. But whether it’s possible or not, he has to pry Blair from the evil that’s sunk its fangs into her. Now it’s a race against time to save the woman he loves and get to the bottom of who is killing Grizzly’s citizenry. And if that’s not enough of a challenge for the shapeshifting sheriff, his future mother-in-law has come for a visit.
BLURB
A collection of short paranormal and dark stories.
Includes the award-winning short story, The Bite.A group of boys participate in a reality television challenge; to the death.What does it mean to be a Canary Girl? One young woman is about to find out.Where is the bride? A beautiful young woman goes missing during a game of hide and seek on her wedding day.Some stories will make you cry, some will make you gasp, and some will leave you believing in vigilante justice. All will end with a grave.

And a powerful short story:
BLURB
JT pulled the short end of the stick when he was given his life’s journey. With a convicted felon as a dad and a drunk as a mom, there weren’t many positive influences in his life. When his mom’s boyfriend began sharing his marijuana with JT, his father fought for custody and won.
Life on his dad’s farm was simpler. JT started turning his life around until one tragic event sent him spiraling again. All choices have consequences. For JT, those choices left him staring down the barrel of a gun. Could JT rise above his circumstances, or would karma have its way with him?
Embrace your inner fall child, read a good book! D. L. Finn

August Book Reviews! @Sandra_Cox @supermegawoman @RobertaEaton17 @YvetteMCalleiro @dave_astor #mustread #bookreviews #writingcommunity #readingcoummunity

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

And the Grave Awaits book cover with red roses against a mainly gray backgroun.

Mateo’s Woman

By Sandra Cox

This third Mateo book continues the story of shifter Mateo and his finance Blair. They are planning their marriage, but something is wrong with Blair after being bitten by an evil enemy. Blair’s mother, Nadine, shows up to help but ends up in the middle of something I couldn’t have predicted. Fortunately, Mateo’s father, who is also a shifter, is there to assist them, but the situation becomes difficult to manage. I love the depth of the relationship between Mateo and Blair and Blair and Lisa. The exquisitely written setting and town turn fiction into a desirable destination that I would be eager to visit, especially in worry-free times. Several unexpected turns make this a gripping read, threatening to obstruct Mateo’s and Blair’s happily ever after. A fantastic addition to Mateo’s world, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend “Mateo’s Woman”!

Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones

By Darlene Foster

Amanda is with her friend Leah, visiting Leah’s aunt in Scotland on a small island called Arran. While visiting a castle, they run into a woman dressed in clothes from the past that they helped. Yet, after there was no trace of her. Amanda jumps into the mystery while visiting some interesting places along the way. Although written for middle-grade readers, I enjoy these stories too. They provide not only a fun mystery but also in-depth history and traditions of the places visited. Scotland has captured my interest, so the history and vivid settings were my favorite parts. I would love to visit this island. There are hidden rooms, disappearing boats, and what seems like a ghost that makes this story a page-turner. Perfect for younger readers and those like me who are young at heart!

And the Grave Awaits

by Roberta Eaton Cheadle

“And the Grave Awaits” is a well-written collection of short stories that pulled me in from the first page. Some stories were based on actual events, and others were more in the paranormal realm. The details that went into the historical fiction stories transported me to that time and place. I felt for the hardships the children who swept chimneys underwent under cruel adults in “An Eye for an Eye” or the women painting dials with radioactive paints in “All that Glitters is not Gold.” “The Bite” caught my attention immediately and when wolf spiders came up, I was all in. They are local spiders that have always fascinated me and this spin on spiders and humans was intriguingly unique. After each of the sixteen stories, there’s information like where the story has been published or the history behind it. A fantastic collection I can highly recommend, especially for those who like stories with a darker twist.

Karma Doesn’t Kill

By Yvette M. Calleiro

“Karma Doesn’t Kill” serves as a cautionary tale of a young man’s poor decisions. Growing up, JT had to overcome various difficulties, including having an alcoholic mother and a father who was a convicted felon. He started down the wrong path living with his mother, but his father stepped in and got custody of him. His life appeared to be improving, but then tragedy hit and he ended up back where he started. The story starts with JT being cared for by his little brother. JT shares his story of how he ended up bedridden. Although I knew the outcome, his journey captured my heart, and I was rooting for him. Even with a heartbreaking outcome for JT, he developed an inspiring inner strength, too. A well-written story based on a true story that illustrates the lasting impact of a solitary choice. It’s a quick but powerful read that I highly recommend.

Misty the Cat . . . Unleashed: The Spirited Adventures and Amusing Antics of an Asthmatic Feline on the Loose

By Dave Astor

“Misty the Cat … Unleashed” is told through the cat’s humorous point of view. Out on his daily morning walk, Misty gets separated from his human and chased under a porch in an unfriendly dog’s backyard. Misty waits for the dog to go to sleep at 8:30 pm—or when it gets dark. The cat keeps himself occupied reliving his life stories. He has a strong opinion on various topics, such as the ideal guitar in a song, rewriting classic titles, favorite shows, and his political stance. He can swiftly shift between subjects in his observations, showcasing his quick-wittedness. Although entertained by his stories, I was concerned that Misty was not only stuck under a porch in the heat, but was missing a dose of his needed asthma medication. If you have a love for cats or animals, you’ll enjoy spending time with Misty and his humans.

NOTE: I know I have been scarce, but between our phone line was down which runs our internet (It’s fixed now), some pulled muscles (Yes, connected to the next item), and having to do more clearing on our property in hopes of keeping our homeowner’s insurance (May now have to hire loggers. New rule trees can’t touch each other. This follows hours of work on our part. It took a few emails to get it clearly explained to me. It’s almost like they don’t want us to renew… lol)

In the middle of all of this, I am doing my final edits for my Christmas collection, too. I haven’t been able to visit blogs or have my usual blogs here like I enjoy doing. I am not sure when I’ll be back to my regular schedule. I will still post book reviews and new releases! xo

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

New Release! “And the Grave Awaits” by Roberta Eaton Cheadle @bakeandwrite @RobertaEaton17 #writingcommunity #newrelease #whattoread

I’m thrilled to have Robbie Cheadle here today to talk about her latest release, “And the Grave Awaits!” It was a great read 🙂 Here’s a link to my review on Goodreads. LINK

And the Grave Awaits

by Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Climbing boys and the origin of my short story, An Eye for an Eye.

My photograph of a building with chimneys in the UK

During the 1700s and 1800s, mainly male children often performed an occupation known as a climbing boy or chimney sweep. Many of the climbing boys were orphans, and in Great Britain many came from workhouses, and some were as young as 3 years old. As the child needed to be quite small to climb up the chimneys of the time, most climbing boys outgrew this occupation by the time they were nine or ten years old, although due to poor diet, some worked until they were as old as fourteen years.

The life of a climbing boys was dangerous as they climbed hot flues that could be a mere 7 inches square, although 14 inches by 9 inches was a common standard, and they could get jammed in the flue, suffocate or burn to death. The children developed raw, red skinless patches on their bodies from climbing up and down the stacks. These only went away when the climber developed calluses or the skin was hardened by their master applying an application of strong brine, which was placed on them in front of a hot fire.

The boys also frequently fell, and this resulted in deformed ankles, broken legs and twisted spines. Eye and respiratory problems also plagued climbing boys. The deadliest condition that affected climbing boys was called chimney sweeps’ carcinoma which was caused by the fact that soot is carcinogenic, and the boys slept under the soot sacks and were rarely washed. Chimney sweeps’ carcinoma is a cancer that results from squamous cells which form on the surface of the skin and the lining of hollow organs in the body and line the respiratory and digestive tracts. Warts on the skin of the scrotum, caused by the irritation from soot particles, developed into scrotal cancer which ultimately invaded the abdomen and killed the sufferer.

The climbing boys were apprenticed to a master sweep who was paid by the parish to teach the orphans or paupers the craft of chimney sweeping. The boys signed papers of indenture, in front of a magistrate, which bound them to the master sweep until they were adults.

Climbing boys in literature

Charles Dickens featured a particularly horrible master sweep called Gamfield in his book Oliver Twist. Gamfield wants to take Oliver as an apprentice but, at the last minute, the magistrate refuses of sanction the apprenticeship as “Mr Gamfield did happen to labour under the slight imputation of having bruised three or four boys to death already.”

Oliver escapes being bound apprentice to the Sweep. Picture credit: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/47529/pg47529-images.html

The Water-Babies, A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby, written by The Reverend Charles Kingsley, was published in 1863 and told the story of a young chimney sweep, Tom, who finds redemption from the horrors of his work by becoming a water baby. Kingsley was appalled by the social conditions during the Victorian era and he wrote this book to draw attention to the horrific fate of climbing boys.

Earlier, in the late 1700s, William Blake wrote poetic depictions of the lives of climbing boys which were published in two books of poetry, Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience.

Here are the first two stanza’s of The Chimney Sweeper: When my mother died I was very young by William Blake:

“When my mother died I was very young,

And my father sold me while yet my tongue

Could scarcely cry ” ‘weep! ‘weep! ‘weep! ‘weep!”

So your chimneys I sweep & in soot I sleep.

 

There’s little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head

That curled like a lamb’s back, was shaved, so I said,

“Hush, Tom! never mind it, for when your head’s bare,

You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair.””

You can read the complete poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43654/the-chimney-sweeper-when-my-mother-died-i-was-very-young

What do climbing boys have to do with my writing

My story, An Eye for an Eye, features climbing boys who are apprenticed to a vicious female master sweep called Mother Abigail. This supernatural murder story illustrates the terrible plight of climbing boys during that period in history and the possible repercussions of such abuse.

About And the Grave Awaits

And the Grave Awaits book cover with red roses against a mainly gray backgroun.

The cover of And the Grave Awaits featuring a cross-shaped gravestone with a bunch of roses on top. Cover artwork in charcoal and coloured pencil by Robbie Cheadle.

A collection of short paranormal and dark stories.
Includes the award-winning short story, The Bite.

A group of boys participate in a reality television challenge; to the death.

What does it mean to be a Canary Girl? One young woman is about to find out.

Where is the bride? A beautiful young woman goes missing during a game of hide and seek on her wedding day.

Some stories will make you cry, some will make you gasp, and some will leave you believing in vigilante justice. All will end with a grave.

Amazon USA pre-order link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7745TZB

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Picture of Robbie holding a book

Picture caption: Author photograph of Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Award-winning, bestselling author, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.

Roberta has two published novels, a collection of paranormal and historical short stories, and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She and is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).

Roberta also has sixteen children’s books and three poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle and has poems and short stories featuring in several anthologies under this name.

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Website

https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Blog

https://roberta-writes.com/

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19631306.Roberta_Eaton_Cheadle

Twitter

https://twitter.com/RobertaEaton17

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites/?modal=admin_todo_tour

TSL Publications

https://tslbooks.uk/product-tag/robbie-cheadle/

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

From Finn’s Forest #17 @HowellWave @Sandra_Cox @mhurdle112 @edenbaylee #writingcommunity #poetry #challenges #dualtimeline #paranormal #historicalfiction

Hi!

Today, I wanted to share the back story to Sounds in the Silence. I wrote it during the NanoWriMo challenge a couple years back, but it really came from a poem I did for Suzanne Burke’s ‘Fiction In A Flash Challenge’ Week #21 NEW Image Prompt (October, 2020.)

There was a picture of an old house and I came up with the below poem. It was suggested by John W. Howell, along with Sandra Cox, Eden Baylee, and Miriam Hurdle in my comments that I make it into a story. So I did 🙂 Here’s the poem:

THE TRUTH

Wood slats replace the glass in my childhood home. Rocks and years stripped away its beauty. Long ago, this empty house was full of life. People traveled great distances to attend lavish parties. Our family was admired and respected, until I disappeared. They hung my beloved husband for a crime he didn’t commit. Only I knew the truth. No one heard my ghostly protests. Someday we’ll be reunited, but only after people finally learn what really happened.

the house isn’t haunted

I only want to be found

murderer with me

 

This is also found in my latest poetry book: Deep in the Forest Where the Poetry Blooms if it seems familar to you.

Universal Amazon Preorder

Embrace your inner child by reading—or writing a book! D. L. Finn

Cover reveal for Sounds in the Silence! #writingcommunity #preorder #historicalfiction #paranormal #mystery #readersoftwitter

Hi!

I finally finished “Sounds in the Silence!” The release date is June 24th but it is on pre-order right now. I wanted to share the new cover and blurb here today.

Blurb

A dual timeline where murder has consequences 40 years later for the living—and deceased.

Maria and Logan Davis stumbled upon the perfect old house by a secluded lake—a prime candidate for their dream inn. They knew a renovation was involved but didn’t expect a persistent ghost that pleaded to be found. Determined, Maria delved into the mystery, only to uncover a haunting love story and murder from the Roaring Twenties. Yet, the young couple’s curiosity shifts to fear when they realize someone has taken a dangerous interest in their barn. With time ticking away, they must unravel the secrets of their home’s past before it’s too late.

Universal Amazon Preorder

Embrace your inner child by reading! D. L. Finn

November Book Reviews! @supermegawoman @bakeandwrite @stacitroilo @teagangeneviene @SueColetta1 @Virgilante @LBroday #writingcommunity #whattoread #bookreviews #mustreads

The BEK Curse

By Jonathan Pongratz

Richard and Maria have bought the home of their dreams, where they can farm to supplement their retirement. They are a loving couple, and life seems good for them until there is a persistent knock at the door. Unfortunately, they answer and find two black-eyed children who make a strange request. Although I was rooting for this couple, I had a feeling things would not be the same for them after this visit. It is a quick read that will make you rethink opening your front door to strangers, even young ones. I can easily recommend this short horror story.

Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind Amanda Travels #6

By Darlene Foster

I am working my way through the Amanda Series, having already read and enjoyed her excursions to France and Malta. When I heard this book might have some ghosts, it seemed the perfect read, right before Halloween. Amanda is traveling with a group to New Mexico, a place I want to explore. During the trip, Amanda is to work on her writing while others take photos or illustrate their experiences. Her new travel companion, Cleo, believes in ghosts while Amanda doesn’t. Amanda’s beliefs are challenged as she tries to figure out what is going on with Cleo and other unexplainable events. Ms. Foster has done her research, and the history the group explores is rich in detail. I was so intrigued with the setting that I was ready to book my next vacation there, even if there might be ghosts. A wonderful story for not only middle-grade readers but also those who are young at heart and want to do some exploring in New Mexico. I can easily recommend “Amanda in New Mexico.”

Dark Butterflies: Poetry and short stories of mental health

By Jude Kirya Itakali

“Dark Butterflies,” explores not only mental health but the depth of human experience through poetry and short stories. These poems and stories not only moved me with their honesty but left a lasting impression. The illustrations added a beautiful layer to the pain and hope. Here are some lines from a few of the amazing poetry and stories: “Neither grudge nor ambition/Only a blurring face,/Of someone I used to love….”—THE MAROONED, “I gaze upon this island once so beautiful every heart leapt at its sight. Until it bore an injustice so deep its waters remain stained to this very day, salted with tears of bereavement…”—AKAMPENE TANKA PROSE, “In my boudoir the walls are painted black/to blind me from the shadows as they wake/Of futures so bleak and a past without luck/I pray, I confess, for my soul’s dear sake…”—FIGHTING MY DEMONS SONNET, “Rose in a dandelion field/Stain upon yellow/Plucked…”—OUTCAST, and “My refuge looms upon a wuthering cliff/Pale-white with dark soulless windows/The raging sea below…”—WARMTH IN THE HIDDEN. A deep collection that left me contemplating life. I can easily recommend this to poetry lovers.

Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon

By Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle

“Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon” is a charming addition to the children’s Sir Chocolate Series. Chinese Candy Dragon takes all the Halloween candy. How will that impact Halloween and what does the Chinese Candy Dragon learn? The story is told in limericks and rhyming prose. Skillful fondant art characters add color and beauty and are sure to hold any beginning reader’s attention. It’s also a great Halloween read for a parent and a young child to enjoy together. After the story, there are a few recipes included that would make a fun-filled family experience. I can highly recommend this for preschool or beginning readers—and those young at heart.

Love Set in Stone

By Staci Troilo

Rina and Gretchen are good friends who leave work together late at night. They tell the bouncer who walks them out to their cars to go home to his family. Gretchen had forgotten something back inside, but they insisted they’d be fine. He reluctantly leaves and Rina ends up being brutally attacked by a cruel man. In steps Damien to her much-needed rescue. When the police arrive, Damien disappears, much to Rina’s confusion. While the police question Rina and Gretchen’s motives, the attacker makes it seem like he is their victim, but Rina is very much in danger. Damien feels a pull to Rina and wants to protect her but is afraid of her finding out the truth. He is a gargoyle during the day and a human who protects at night or used to. He died a warrior in the 1200s and was given a second chance with a few catches. I loved Damien’s unique and appealing character, along with his interaction with the angel, Anael. Rina was a strong female who went to school during the day and worked hard at night. She was barely scraping by, and I couldn’t help but root for her. Although they were from different times, the chemistry was undeniable. There were some surprising twists and corruption to clear up along the way. I couldn’t have guessed how this story could resolve, which I appreciate. A well-written and sometimes steamy romance that captured me and didn’t let go until the end. I would love to see more from these characters, including some of the minor ones, and can easily recommend “Love Set in Stone.”

A Peril in the Bayou

By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

I read and loved Peril in Ectoplasm and was excited to see a new story. It was nice to see familiar faces from before, but it’s unnecessary to have read the first book first. Clover is the assistant to the famous psychic medium, Daphne. They travel with two friends to meet with a New Orleans Spiritualist, Mother Leafy. Upon arrival, they find out they need to take a tour of the Bayou before she will see them. Clover’s and Daphne’s relationship deepens in this story as they traverse the swamp and its mystical qualities. The two men that accompany them are so different but very loyal to Daphne. The group is unaware of the evil intentions of Mother Leafy’s rival and that makes for some exciting twists. Lush 1920 settings drew me deeper into their journey. An exciting paranormal adventure I can easily recommend.

Merciless Mayhem 

by Sue Coletta

Merciless Mayhem is the eighth book in the Mayhem Series. I have read the first and sixth books and could jump right into this story with no confusion or issues. There are enough references to understand what is going on. Shawnee and Mayhem are fighting a powerful company named Killzme, which is involved in illegal animal trafficking. This corporation has set its sights on capturing Shawnee, which leads to an explosive opening to the story. Not only are their lives at stake, but the animals captured are also at risk of survival. What I love about these stories is that justice is fought for innocent ones or animals, along with Native American culture and relationships between the warriors and families. Shawnee’s dedication to learning and working with Mayhem to become a stronger warrior is fascinating. But it’s her love for her grandfather that really touches the heart. The ravens are a favorite character of mine, and the bad feelings between Shawnee and Poe add to the entertainment. Going undercover and Shawnee walking in heels was a lot of fun, but saving the orcas and dolphins tugged at my heart. There was an in-depth explanation of what capturing these intelligent creatures does to them. There are some brutal and descriptive battles that aren’t for the faint of heart, but I couldn’t help rooting for the justice behind it. Another great addition to the Mayhem Series and I will continue reading them to catch up and look forward to more stories to come.

Goodbye Old Paint (The Hat Book 7) 

by C. S. Boyack

Lizzie and the Hat are back and trying to recover after disastrous flooding. Her car is barely functional, and funds are very limited as she waits for her disaster aid to come. It’s even been hard to book the band to play out. That’s when a government agency shows up needing her unusual skills to help with a gremlin infestation. They make an offer to excuse student loans. This takes Lizzie down a fun path that brings back some familiar characters from past books. I am a fan of The Hat Series and love Mr. Boyack’s humor. This book took that humor up a notch. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, but I won’t go into detail and spoil them. I enjoyed an upgrade Lizzie received and I always appreciate the Hat’s snarky comments and how he helps. Another great Hat Book I can easily recommend.

Courting Miss Emma

By Linda Broday

“Courting Miss Emma” continues the story of the Taggart sisters. Being the daughters of the hangman, they were forced out of town after their house was burned down. They took with them the town’s orphans and found solace in an abandoned mission, along with three nuns. The first of the series focused on the older sister, Maura, and now it’s Emma’s story. Emma’s life revolves around the children, and she’s made peace with being alone—and not being lucky like Maura. However, a good-looking new neighbor, Stone, moves in. Emma and Stone immediately clash over the kids wandering onto his property to see the camels. There is little time to decide what they think of each other when riders come in and tell them their land is no longer theirs. They are expected to leave. No matter what is or isn’t between Emma and Stone, they must join to fight off attackers who will do whatever it takes to claim what isn’t theirs. I love Emma’s character; she is very strong and loving toward the ones she loves even after how she and her sister have been unfairly treated. Stone is an ex-soldier who carries a heavy past with him and a determination not to marry or have kids. It was wonderful to see all the familiar characters from the first book, especially the children, and to meet the new ones introduced. The plot was layered with not only romance and the threat of losing their home but plenty of heart-racing action and unexpected twists. Mixed in is some fun humor, including Emma imagining what her tombstone would say in different situations. The setting was rich and detailed, so I could easily imagine being in Texas in the late 1800s. A fantastic follow-up to the first book and I can’t wait for the story to continue. Although it’s unnecessary to read the first book because there was enough information added to understand the story, I’m glad I read “Maura” first. I can highly recommend this.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! Click on a book title and add to your reading list 🙂 D. L. Finn

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